Monday, July 25, 2011

Sprout's Green Blog Hop - Eco-friendly ways to keep cool!

It has been hot... for most of the country, it has been brutally hot recently so it has inspired me to think about ways to stay cool...in a more eco-friendly way!

First of all, the best way to stay cool is to stay hydrated - drink lots of water at all times of the day (not just when you are thirsty).  One thing I like to do to make my water more refreshing is to add a slice or two of fresh lemon.  Lemon is refreshing and adds a little vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and potassium to your water.  Another way to kick up your water (or iced tea or lemonade) is to add some fresh mint...I love how refreshing mint is and when the leaves are crushed or chopped the scent and flavor are just enlivening, crisp and cool! BTW - mint is super easy to grow, even from seed and is perennial so it will come back every year!

Once you have yourself cooled off, keep your home or office cooler... You can keep the temperature down in your rooms by closing blinds / shades during the day to block out direct sunlight.  Even better: plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your home to block sunlight and cool the building.  Mature trees can cool a building 10-20 degrees thus reducing the need for air conditioning (maybe even eliminating the need if you have a wooded area!) Trees also help to "clean the air" by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.  If you want to plant trees around your home, consult with a landscape architect or arborist to make sure you choose an appropriate tree for your location and best time to plant.

Tell me your tips for staying cool this summer...


8 comments:

  1. Hi there! New follower from Tag Back Tuesday. Great blog and great post. You shared some really good tip and here in N. Texas we are just withering up in this heat. Drop on by and see me if you get the chance, thanks!

    Kimberley
    http://davisdailydose.blogspot.com/

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  2. Thanks for hosting Sprout's Green Blog Hop. I would definitely co-host with you again.

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  3. Hey! I stumble upon you and your blog hop! Love the site. It is so cute! Great tips, very similar to my green tips! Is it a green week blog hop? Do you know of any other green hops? have a good one!
    Stephanie~

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  4. I'm not a green blogger, but I will love checking out all of these blogs. I'm following from the Totally Tuesday hop!

    Michelle @ Things Sent My Way

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  5. Hi! Following you from a blog hop!:0)
    Hope you visit me and return the follow!

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  6. I'm stopping by from the Alexa hop. Please come by mine, too!

    Have a good day!

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  7. Great blog! Thanks for the tips!
    I'm a new follower from the blog hop!
    Hope you'll hop by and visit my blog too!
    Have a great weekend!
    nancy
    http://stylendecordeals.blogspot.com/

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  8. I really like your blog. I would like to add something to it. You know, you can also use house attic fan instead of air conditioner. They are more energy efficient & also very useful for cooling down the house. Hope to see more blogs from you like this.

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