Staying Cool by Being Green

We've had our first bout of summer in a lot of the US, so many of this week's submissions have to do with how to keep energy consumption down when the temperature goes up. Take a look:

Everyday Living:

Get out of the house: You don't need to keep the AC blasting if no one's home! There are lots of places to go that will be cool anyway. Libraries are great because a) they're free, and b) there are books there! Of course, if you have some leisure time, you could also go to the movies or the beach during the hottest part of the day.

Do not keep lights on near your thermostat: This will artificially boost the temperature reading, so it will cause the air to come on when it doesn't need to.

Actually, avoid lights when you can: I mean, you want to do that anyway just so you don't have a bunch of lamps on in the middle of the day, but it's especially important for keeping cool!

Use fans: They use less energy than central air. Even if you still need the AC, you could turn it up a few degrees if there's air moving already.

Use appliances in the evening: You won't want your oven on in the middle of the afternoon anyway!

Remember to take advantage of not being home: If you're going to use the first tip and get out of the house, it only works if you remember to adjust your thermostat accordingly!

World Environment Day:

This Wednesday, June 5, is World Environment Day! Participate in the activities at www.unep.org/wed/activities/. One thing the whole US is doing is:

Eat a Waste-Less Lunch: I'll be working then, and I know I'll be bringing my lunch in reusable containers, made with ingredients I bought with as little packaging as possible. (I'm the girl at the bakery counter always asking for bread straight into the reusable bag!)

If you have an event for World Environment Day, you can register it at www.unep.org/wed/activities/register/. Make sure you also write in about it here! And actually, a great way to celebrate World Environment Day would be to do your One Green Hour and submit your solutions then. :)