Sustainable living minimises waste by respecting natural resources and following the philosophy of rethink, reuse and recycle.
Dr. Win Armand, an attending physician at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital and associate director of the Massachusetts Center for Comprehensive Environmental Health, says there are lots of budget-friendly tips, big and small, that can help you save money and be kinder to the planet this summer. Here are five great tips to get you started:
1. Incorporate the 5 R's
Refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and finally recycle. These are well-thought-out sustainability strategies promoted online by the Cincinnati Recycle and Reuse Hub. Do you really want or need shiny new things? Where can you share your work or tools? What can you trade, give away, or buy second-hand? How can you streamline your recycling stream?
Give yourself permission to start here. No one is perfect. We all have preferences, sustainability blind spots, missteps, and “sorry, I can't do that.” Start where you are and add when you can.
2. Reduce cooling energy
Summer heat can be hazardous to your health, and it's not always possible or wise to cut back on your energy use. However, you may be able to:
Cool naturally. Pull down curtains during the day to block out the hot sun. At night, when temperatures drop, open windows and let in a cross breeze if possible. Wear loose cotton clothing and a sun hat when outdoors. Remember that the sun is reflected by light colors and absorbed by black or dark colors. Bring an umbrella to provide shade on rainy days as well as sunny days. “Prepare meals that don't require cooking or baking, which will help conserve resources and keep your home cooler,” advises Dr. Armando. Find shady and cool places. If you don't have air conditioning or are worried about the cost, you can cool off in parks and other green spaces. Cities and towns often open cooling centers, splash pads, and public pools. Public buildings, such as libraries and shopping malls, are available during the day for those who want to beat the heat. Turn up the heat. That's the air conditioning temperature. If you're lucky enough to have air conditioning at home, follow nature's cues. If you're shivering, searching for a sweater, or wrapped up in a blanket, turn up the heat to save energy and money.
3. Conserve resources
Paying close attention to energy conservation may also help reduce your bills.
Use electricity. Use electric grills, lawnmowers, and other landscaping tools to help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to lowering air pollution. If tools or appliances need replacing, consider using electricity. Save energy. Turn off electrical equipment you are not using in your office or home (lights, TVs, computers, copiers, printers, etc.). Use less power when demand is high. “Ensuring the stability of the power grid during peak demand is essential for public health,” says Dr. Armando. “Avoid using appliances such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers during times of high demand. Instead, perform these tasks and charge your electric vehicle (if you have one) later in the evening.” Some energy-hungry appliances have timers that can help you do this. Sign up for Shave the Peak alerts. Know when to use less power to avoid times when your local power grid is dependent on non-renewable, expensive, and polluting fossil fuels.
4. Beware the heat and stay hydrated
Conserving resources is a worthy goal, but it shouldn't come at the expense of staying safe and healthy when summer temperatures soar.
Make a plan to stay cool. During the summer heat, especially during a heat wave, having an affordable, personal plan to stay cool can be lifesaving. Watch for signs of dehydration. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in water, such as lettuce, cucumber, melon, and citrus fruits, can help you stay hydrated. Having a water refilling station for reusable bottles can help you save money at the grocery store by reducing single-use plastic bottles. Know how to treat heat rash and more serious heat stroke. The small, itchy red or dark bumps of heat rash (miliaria) occur when sweat ducts become clogged or inflamed, making it harder for children and adults to cool themselves down. In general, heat can be bad for you, especially if you work outdoors, take certain medications, or have certain illnesses.
5. Start a sharing circle
Sharing circles help you expand your wardrobe, tool shed, or food preferences while building community.
Consider starting locally and then expanding. Brainstorm with a few friends about what you all want to share or swap. Think seasonal items. Gardening tools, outdoor decorations, summer sports (because not everyone needs to own a paddleboard). Local clubs, neighborhood associations, or public spaces like libraries and schools may host community swaps and shares. Some communities have swap sheds, while other libraries lend out gadgets and appliances, such as portable induction cooktop burners, tech and home improvement tools, and games. Summer Dinner Club. Perfect for those who have their hands full with summer harvests from window boxes, community gardens, and CSA shares. Keep the theme fresh, local, and low-cost. Plant-based menus are good for your health and the planet. Cultural inspiration is always helpful, and having one person cook or emphasizing no-cook recipes can help conserve resources. Cut down on clothing costs. Bored with your wardrobe? Gather some friends and swap summer clothes and accessories. Make sure you set the rules. Use it with care, wash it with care, avoid stains, etc. Hot spots. “Gathering with friends or neighbors on a hot day for fun games and festivities is a great way to build community and save on cooling energy costs at the same time. Take turns the next hot day!” says Dr. Armando.
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