The Solar Switch:

Summer is here and with it comes the heat which can prove uncomfortable. Many people are tempted to hide indoors on those especially hot days and pump up the air conditioning, which is terrible for both the environment and your electricity bill. Try these sustainable moves over summer to help do your part for the environment while saving you money.

Sun Dry Your Washing

Adjusting your living habits with the seasons is a great way to keep your home environmentally sustainable. The summer months mean there is plenty of time to allow your clothes washing to dry in the sun. Avoid the temptation to use a clothes dryer unnecessarily, they suck power and damage your clothes. Drying your clothes and sheets in the sun also has the added benefit of getting rid of bugs like dust mites and keep mould from developing. So make the most of the sun’s drying power.

Let Some Real Light In

While it’s drying your clothes, why not also let the sun into your home to brighten each room and your day. Try installing some skylights into your home this summer.

There are a number of benefits of letting more sunlight into your home and it will significantly lower your energy bill if you aren’t using electric lighting during the day. Plus, the natural light will help increase your general well-being and lift the mood of the entire house. Best of all, skylights provide free and natural lighting.

Reusable Water Bottles

This tip shouldn’t just be limited to summer. Single use plastic items are a massive problem in our culture and are severely damaging the environment. So during these hot, summer months, ensure that you carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go to stop the need to buy plastic water bottles.

Carrying a reusable water bottle of a decent size (1 litre or more) is also a great way to ensure you are getting an adequate amount of water each day. Set yourself a target of drinking one whole bottle, or two bottles fulls per day to make sure you are staying well hydrated in the summer months.

A Good Fan Goes a Long Way

There are a number of great fans around these days, from ceiling fans with wide leaf shaped blades to the small circular bladeless fans. Having good fans in your house will keep each room cool and run at a significantly lower cost than AC. Plus they won’t dry out your skin like air conditioning will.

Draw the Shades Against the Sun

If you are out of the house on a hot day, try drawing the shades to keep the previous night’s cool air in and to stop the sun beating through the windows into your house. Having thick curtains to draw against the sun will go a long way to keeping your house cool over summer.

Bring Some Plants Indoors

Add some living air purifiers to your house. Bringing your plants inside during the hot summer months will help keep them alive and to keep your indoors bright and the air clean. Having plant life indoors is also proven to boost your mood and general well-being.

Get Outdoors

Take advantage of the summer sun and walk or ride a bicycle to work. Leave your car and home and walk to the bus or train and enjoy the long hours of daylight available during summer. You will appreciate the time at each end of the day out in the sun, enjoying the great outdoors. And if you spend your days in front a computer, like so many people do these days, then it is especially important to give your eyes and brain a break from screens.

The Summer is best enjoyed outdoors, so get outside and take advantage of the beautiful weather we are fortunate enough to enjoy.

Image source: https://www.velux.co.uk/products/blinds-and-shutters/insect-screens