7 Environmentally Friendly Ways To Stay Cool This Summer
2021-11-26
Summer is fast approaching, and that means long, hot days finding ways to stay cool as the mercury rises.
Not everyone has air conditioning to stay cool this summer, while others will be actively trying to use their air conditioner less to save on energy and the electric bill.
But don’t fret! Just because you may not be using air conditioning, doesn’t mean that you can’t stay cool and comfortable all summer long while doing your bit for the environment.
Let’s take a look at 7 environmentally friendly ways to stay cool this summer.
1. Eat Mediterranean
Certain foods can make you feel hotter when the weather is hot. We all love a summer BBQ, but we have all heard of the “meat sweats”. And it’s a real thing! The general rule is that foods that take more internal effort to digest raise your body temperature. This is called thermogenesis in the medical field and includes foods like meat. Other foods have natural chemicals that trigger nerves that heat your body up, like peppers and spicy food. Caffeine and other stimulants have this effect on the body as well. If certain foods tend to make you overheat, stick to the Mediterranean Diet during summer. Load up on fresh salads drizzled with La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil, grains, legumes and seafood. Avoid red meats, spicy foods and heavy carbs and you’ll feel the difference.
Do you need some Mediterranean Diet inspiration? We’ve got plenty of recipes for you!
2. Keep everything closed and cool
Early in the morning before the heat on a scorching day really hits, close everything up. Curtains, windows, doors and any cracks where heat could make its way in. Keeping the heat out is easier than trying to cool down your home once it has made its way in, and is a zero-energy way to stay comfortable all summer long. When the thermostat drops, open everything up to enjoy the cool change.
3. Treat yourself to an ice foot spa
Draw the heat out of your body by filling a bucket or large bowl with ice water (or even your own bath) and soaking your feet. Our extremities are central to cooling our bodies down, so keeping your feet chilled is a handy way to feel the relief throughout your body. Give it a shot and you’ll soon feel the relief!
4. Invest in cooling clothing
There are many labels now that sell clothing designed to keep you cool on the hottest days.
Chill-Its is a brand with clothes designed to keep tradies cool on hot summer days on building sites, but has now branched into the mainstream. They sell evaporative bandanas, neck ties, towels and vests designed to keep you cool as a cucumber. You can buy them through several online retailers. Alternatively, you can buy ice vests which originally were designed for those with medical conditions that are exacerbated by heat, but now are available for the general public and work a treat. A good quality one is an economic investment, but is absolutely worth it.
In addition, it is also important to take note of what you apply to your body. Certain materials can make your body hotter, while other fabrics work to keep it cool. During summer, stick to clothing made out of natural materials like cotton, linen and rayon. Even denim being manmade is better than other artificial fabrics. Avoid items made out of nylon, acrylic, vinyl and polyester - these aren’t breathable fabrics so will only make you hotter and more uncomfortable.
5. Prioritise your pulse points
Keeping your pulse points and areas where your veins are close to the surface like those on your wrists cool during summer to cool your whole body isn’t an old wives tales. The wrists are central to core body cooling and applying ice or cold water to the insides of the wrists does work to chill your entire body. In addition, applying a cool, wet rag to the back of your neck is also key to cooling your entire body.
6. Install energy efficient globes
Energy efficient light globes don’t just help the environment and save money on your power bill. They also help to keep your home cool when the hot weather arrives. Replacing your incandescent globes with LED variations produce far less heat than their classic counterparts while providing the same amount of light. Make the switch now!
7. Switch off electronics
Electronics don’t just use up power. They also generate heat while plugged in, which is another reason your home is sweltering on a hot summer's day. You may notice this when the room with the most gadgets - TV, a gaming console, computer, speakers and more - seems the hottest during summer. Limiting use of electronics on the hottest days of the year will save on energy, your power bill, keep your electronics in good condition and beat the heat as well.
We hope that this list gave you some great ideas on how to stay cool without an air conditioner this summer!
La Española Olive Oil’s packaging is 100% recyclable. Browse our range at Coles, our exclusive stockist across Australia.
