Welcome to the June 2014 Natural Living Blog Carnival: Eco-Friendly Summer.
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Natural Living Blog Carnival hosted by Happy Mothering and Crunchy Farm Baby through the Green Moms Network. This month, our members are talking about how they are keeping their family eco-friendly during this summer season. Stop by all of the posts listed at the bottom of mine to get ideas on how your family can keep it safe and natural this summer.
While the choices we make impacts the ecosystem all year round, the environment truly feels our footprint during the dog days of summer – the pools are opened, the air conditioner is cranked up, and the sprinklers are forever bathing the lawn. Additionally, we are eating out more, driving more, and partying with family and friends more than usually, which takes a toll on Mother Earth. We never really stop to think how our summertime living affects the environment, but being conscious of our actions will allow us to step lighter on the land. Below are a few practical ways to green up your summer…
A Few Practical Ways to Green up your Summer:
Turn off the AC: Although the air conditioner is the most preferred method of cooling-down, even the most energy efficient varieties pollute. Instead of continuously cranking the AC, keep your home cool by hanging black-out curtains, and by bringing in a few houseplants, as well as keeping the windows open. Additionally, you can keep cool by sporadically spritzing cold water on your skin, wearing breathable clothing, staying hydrated, and also by eating colder foods such as salads and wraps.
Natural Sunscreen: Traditional sunscreens are formulated with a cocktail of unreadable chemicals that can pose ill health to both you and the environment, instead of using those, look for varieties that are formulated will only natural ingredients. Additionally, you can protect your skin from the sun by eating foods with sun protection properties, Check out our post titled for more information.
Public Pools: Keep your pool closed this summer and opt to splash around in community pools to save water.
Recycle your Water: Collect rain water in barrels and buckets and then use it to wash the car, water the plants and to wash the dishes.
Biodegradable Disposables: Summer is synonymous with picnics and parties, which often includes the use of Styrofoam cups and plates, opt out of those and choose varieties that are compostable and easily biodegradable.
Vacation Closer to Home: Instead of traveling long distances, choose vacation spots closer to home. Staying closer to home will help save gas, money and time.
Bike it: Instead of driving the short distances, opt to walk or bike it instead, doing so will cut down on emissions while also helping you stay fit.
Solar Powered Everything: Purchase solar powered lights, chargers, ovens, fridges, fans and toys to avoid using traditional energy.
Practice Sustainable Landscaping: Install an irrigation system, tend to drought tollerant plants, and grasscycle by leaving the grass clipping where they fall.
Summertime is a brief respite from school and from the colder months, so it should be enjoyed, however, we must make our actions with the environment in mind so that we always have Mother Nature to party on. Have a happy Green summer
Visit Happy Mothering and Crunchy Farm Baby to learn more about participating in next month’s Natural Living Blog Carnival!
Please take some time to enjoy the posts our other carnival participants have contributed: