Summer's here! Are you ready for some fun? My boys finished up school last week and we're just starting to feel that summer vacation vibe kicking into gear. One thing I've noticed is that I don't have my summer routine down yet. We've been caught short without sunscreen a couple times lately and I keep forgetting my water bottle at home. Guess it takes awhile to get into the groove.
Try these 3 easy tips to get your summer off to a greener, healthier start:
Tote a Reusable Bottle
Staying hydrated is key during hot summer days. Your best defense is to carry a reusable water bottle or two with you wherever you go. That way, you'll avoid buying bottled water which saves both money and the planet!
Better Yet: Fill a reusable bottle with ice cubes for cold water later.
Keep Cool on the Cheap
Instead of staying home and cranking the air conditioning, take advantage of local lakes, pools and fountains for an immediate cool down. Keep your house cool by lowering shades on windows in direct sunlight, using cross ventilation to create a breeze and using fans to move air.
Better Yet: Install an ENERGYSTAR rated ceiling fan to circulate air efficiently.
Choose Safer Sunscreen
Before grabbing any old bottle of sunscreen at the drug store, consult Environmental Work Group's Safer Sunscreen Guide for the safest, most effective sunscreens available. You'd be surprised at how many sunscreens contain questionable ingredients or don't provide adequate protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Better Yet: Consult Safe Mama's 2012 Sunscreen Cheat Sheet for the best of the best!
What are your green summer living tips?
(Photo credit: vasophoto via flickr)
We still have a few days to go before our summer begins. I'm really looking forward to days without a schedule. Another green tip: use reusable bags to tote around your summer "stuff". I like to leave them in the front seat of my car so they are always available.
Posted by: Lori Popkewitz Alper | June 12, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Great tip Lori! Yes - I love unscheduled days as well!
Posted by: Micaela | June 13, 2012 at 12:09 PM
I just discovered your site today and will be definitely coming back. I feel this post is extremely basic and that's a real good thing. Too many people and turned away by the smallest life-changing tip you give because it never appears to be easy. Thanks for the post and I'll be linking your site to mine... keep up the great awareness work!
Posted by: Theodore Baskind | June 29, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Yup, signed up. Beautiful world...I'll keep you posted if I come up with anything.
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