Eco-Friendly Ways to Beat the Summertime Heat

Well, summertime has definitely arrived and with it the heat. In fact, many states across the U.S. are experiencing heat waves like never before. According to the EPA, heat wave frequency in major cities across the country has increased from an average of two per year in the 1960s to six per year during the 2010s and 2020s.

Hopefully, you’ve been able to figure out ways to stay cool. If not, here are some eco-friendly ways to beat the summertime heat. They may seem simple, but they should serve as a reminder of what to do…

Open your windows in the evening

Opening your windows, once the sun goes down, can help cool off your home. It can also help improve indoor air quality. If you’re able to get a cross breeze going, you’ll find your house will become quite comfortable at night.

Keep your blinds/curtains closed

As the sun radiates heat, keeping your blinds and curtains closed during the daylight hours can help keep you and your home cooler. This will help reduce the time you need to use your air conditioning unit and save you money.

Get outdoors early in the morning or later in the day

For those who want to get outdoors during the summer months (and I highly recommend you do), choose activities you can do in the early morning or later in the day. This will keep you out of the sun during the hottest times of the day. So, you can still enjoy your outdoor activities without getting too hot due to the afternoon sun.

Find a place to go swimming

Going swimming is a very simple way to stay cool during the summertime heat. If you live near a creek, river, stream, lake or ocean, go there to enjoy some time in the water. Be sure to use sunscreen to reduce your chances of getting burned. Here are eight biodegradable and eco-friendly brands of natural and reef-safe sunscreens.

Limit your exercise when the sun is high in the sky

Those who like to exercise during the day should limit their exertion when the sun is high in the sky. It’s much easier to get overheated when it’s hotter outside, especially if you’re not used to exercising in the heat. Therefore, I recommend exercising during the early morning hours or after the sun goes down. You can also try these biofriendly ways to get exercise throughout the day.

Stay hydrated

One of the most basic, yet important, ways to stay cool in the summertime heat is to stay hydrated. You will likely need to drink more water than you think you need to do. When you’re at home, be sure to have a glass of water near you to drink throughout the day. Then, when you go out, bring along a refillable water container to use. Doing this will help you stay hydrated and serve as a gentle reminder to drink more water.

Use cold/wet compresses

For those who struggle to stay cool in the summertime heat, cold or wet compresses on your neck, wrists and other pulse points can help keep your body temperature down. It can also reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses.

Keep your pets cool, too

Please ensure you use these tips to keep your pets cool, as well. For example, don’t take your dogs on a walk when the sun is high in the sky. The temperature of the ground is way too hot for their little paws. If you can’t comfortably rest your hand or your foot on the pavement for any given period of time, then it’s too hot for your pets. Even an air temperature of 86 degrees F can result in an asphalt temperature of over 135 degrees F. Help keep your pets cool, too.

In Summary

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. You do, however, need to be careful about when you go outside, especially if your area is experiencing a heat wave. Using the aforementioned tips can help you enjoy spending time outdoors, yet still beat the summertime heat.