Stay-cool Tips for Summertime

by Melodye Shore

Ahhh, summer’s finally here—time for sand castles and nature hikes, outdoor barbecues and hot nights on the town.  

Unfortunately, as the heat rises, so does our energy consumption. Not cool, especially for those of us who care about global warming and the rising costs of fuel!

Don’t sweat it, SisterDivas. We can battle the heat without breaking the bank, and it’s possible to protect the earth in the process! The experts shared their secrets with us, and now we’re passing them on to you.

Switch to cold beverages and lighter fare. Store fresh water in your refrigerator, and keep sugar-free popsicles in the freezer. Also, try taking a vacation from heavy foods—we generate less heat when we eat lighter fare. Meals that feature fruits and vegetables are especially refreshing, and their higher water content will help keep you hydrated.

Eat seasonal, buy local. Farmers markets offer organic produce picked at its prime, often at lower prices than you might find in a supermarket. Locally grown foods tend to taste better; plus, you’ll help cut down on the fuel consumption required for cross-country shipping.

Switch off the heat. Turn off your computer, and unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Change over to cooler, fluorescent light bulbs, and use your grill instead of the oven. If you run your dishwasher in the early morning or late evening, you’ll avoid adding heat and humidity to your home. And as much as possible, keep your fridge closed—open doors require more energy, which produces extra heat. 

Let in the breeze. Amazing fact: For each degree you raise the temperature setting on your thermostat, you can lower your air conditioning costs by a whopping 3-5 percent! Keep the indoor temperatures (and your electricity bills) down by opening your windows on cooler mornings and circulating the fresh air with portable fans. By mid-morning, the sun’s strongest rays start peeking in, so be sure to close your window curtains or shades against the heat.

Go green. Fragrant herbs and flowers are harbingers of summer, aren’t they? Added bonus: They clean the air, block the direct rays of the sun, and beautify your neighborhood. If you don’t have time or space for a fully landscaped yard, place a few container gardens on your front porch or backyard patio. Remember to water them before the sun rises or after sundown, to help keep evaporation to a minimum.

Take the plunge. Exercise is a great way to let off a little steam! Worried about getting sweaty? Just do it—in the water. If you’re not a swimmer, try putting towel-wrapped ice cubes on your pulse points when you work out, or fill up a spray bottle with ice water and give yourself a light misting now and again. If that doesn’t conjure up cool images of palm-frond-waving cabana boys, we don’t know what will!