Staying Green in the Summer

With the summer upon us many people enjoy the comfort of indoor air conditioning, however, this can be detrimental to the environment. Read on for ways to stay cool and have fun in the summer while staying green.

Walk or Ride a Bike

 Instead of driving the car down the street to get some ice cream, walk or ride your bike. It is a great way to reduce carbon monoxide emission as well as exercise.

Cooling Off

 Make sure your air conditioner is in good order. When air conditioners run more efficiently, they use less energy. Make sure air conditioner filters are cleaned or replaced regularly. Many experts recommend changing out cooling filters monthly, especially during high-usage months. Have your coolers cleaned professionally once a year. This will provide your cooler 5 percent to 10 percent more energy efficiency. In addition, raise the thermostat a few degrees higher. You'll greatly reduce the amount of energy that you are using. If all else fails, and folded up piece of newspaper always makes a great fan.

Go Outside!

Turn off the TV and get off your computer. You will save energy and have more fun. Enjoy the sunshine and read a book outside or take a nature walk. Too hot? Swim in the comforts of your own pool, or your neighbor's or the community. Shoot balls with your children. Activities like these and more (you can get creative) help to get family and friends together. Cheap, clean fun with no down side. Unplug your computer during non-use to increase efficiency!

Summer BBQ

What is summer without backyard barbecues? However, using briquettes to cook a standard hamburger produce 105 times more carbon monoxide than using a propane grill. What's more? Briquettes give off harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) when burned.

Grow a Garden 

Summer is a good time to plant a vegetable garden. What can be more organic than vegetables hailed from your own backyard? Or what could be more Eco-friendly since your vegetables just need to travel from the backyard to your kitchen to be enjoyed. Get your kids to help you pick the kind of vegetables they like and make it a family project. This get-down-and-dirty green project not only will ensure your supply of vegetables in the months ahead, it will help your kids appreciate nature. And who better to entrust the world to than a future generations of nature lovers?

Smart Shopping 

School is out and this is good time to take your kids shopping at the local market. Farmer's market is a good place to start. Supporting local farmers help to cut cost in transportation and reduce energy use. While you're out shopping, don't forget to tote your canvas bags and tout a little of the importance of going green. A little fact to impress your kids: In an average year, American households used about 100 billion plastic bags of which 99% are never recycled. A little education, a little shopping and a whole lot of green awareness.

Green Products 

Use environmentally friendly products that will keep you clean and safe without
hurting the world around us. You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to enjoy the outdoors. If you need to carry soap with you on an outdoor trip, choose a natural, biodegradable soap. Buy environmentally friendly insect repellent and to use natural alternatives for dealing with bugs and other pests that “come out of the woodworks” during the warm months.