Chill Out: Five Ways to Beat the Summer Heat while Staying Eco Conscious

Hello from sunny, and scorching, Phoenix, Arizona! It is mid-May and our temperatures have already started hitting the low 100 range on a somewhat regular basis. I can’t say for sure if this is early since it’s only my third summer here but it sure feels early. I started looking for alternatives to beat the summer heat while staying as eco conscious as possible.

Here are five simple things anyone can do to stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest summer days.

Adjust the thermostat by two degrees

This sounds like a small thing but by setting our air conditioner to kick on at eighty degrees instead of seventy-eight we can save approximately 2% in energy costs. The reverse can also be beneficial to cost and energy saving – turn the thermostat down in the winter. The two degrees on either end will barely be noticeable to the body but it will sure be noticed by the wallet when the savings roll in over the course of the year.

Block passive solar from entering the house

I use heavy weight velvet drapes in the living room and dining room, darker lined curtains in the bedroom, and wooden blinds in the kitchen. What do all these rooms have in common? They’re on the south face of our home where the sun pours in during the entire day. The curtains on the front of the house (north face) are lighter weight and lighter colored. Sunlight can still brighten up the house from these windows but the warming that comes with the sun doesn’t have to bake our rooms in the process. Once the sun passes by each of the windows I can pull back the curtains to let late afternoon light into the home. Bright and sunny doesn’t have to mean hot and wasteful!

Cover the pool

We opted to purchase a home with a pool, something we use just about every day from May through October. Not only does jumping into the pool help to cool us off (another way to eliminate air conditioning!) but it’s a soothing water feature in our yard. However, a pool uses a lot of water which is not only a hit to the wallet but is also a tough thing to justify wasting even a drop of here in the desert. When we first bought this place there were weeks we lost a full inch (or more) from our pool. By installing a simple solar cover (trimmed to fit our uniquely shaped pool) we are able to save from massive evaporation in our dry climate and not only cut back on the water bill but also extend our swimming season on either end of the summer.

Run the ceiling fans, not the AC

Installing ceiling fans is another great way to keep cooling (and heating) costs down. We leave our fans circulating all the time as it keeps continuous airflow through the house even when the air conditioner is off.

Invest in natural fiber clothing

I’ve seen a whole bunch of adorable sun dresses and other summer clothing on display recently but I’ve walked away from purchasing because of one reason – man-made fibers. Polyester and nylon may feel like they’re lighter weight because they’re so light to the touch but it’s an illusion. Synthetic threads such as those don’t breathe the same way a natural fiber like cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc. breathe because they are tighter woven in order to maintain a specific shape. Wearing them close to your skin will actually keep you warmer because the body’s internal cooling system (sweat) gets trapped under their surface with no way to escape. A natural fiber will help to wick away perspiration from the body but also release it into the air more quickly meaning the sweat can help keep the body cool. Cotton, bamboo, hemp, linen, etc. are wonderful alternatives to synthetic fibers and your cool bod will thank you for making the investment!

With just a few simple steps those of us in warmer climates will enjoy their hot and steamy summer by staying cool as a cucumber in the crisper drawer!

Image courtesy Stuart Miles at Freedigitalphotos.net

Save Me A Seed Dude!

What might happen to all of the plants in the world if the global temperature continues to rise? The Millennium Seed Bank Project (MSBP) is hoping to avoid finding out by starting a collective for seeds of all species.

Are you now asking two questions -- what is the MSBP and how can I help? Well read on for answers to both questions!

Based on the definition explained to us on the MSBP Wikipedia page:

“The Millennium Seed Bank Project is an international conservation project coordinated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Launched in the year 2000 and housed in the Wellcome Trust Millennium Building situated in the grounds of Wakehurst Place West Sussex, its purpose is to provide an "insurance policy" against the extinction of plants in the wild by storing seeds for future use. The storage facilities consist of large underground frozen vaults preserving the world's largest collection of seeds.”

With the rising global temperature many species are experiencing the beginning effects of possible extinction and this is where the MSBP comes in by goaling to store up to 10% of all wild plant species seeds by the end of 2010. But they are in trouble because the financial status of the entire world is in such turmoil and they are no longer gaining the steady donations they once were. Many environmentalists are wondering if it is because not enough people have heard of the MSBP and one group in particular is really doing their part to spread the word.

SuperForest, which some of you already read (a link to which is over on the right side bar), is a lovely organization and they have conceived of a fantastic way to help. By sharing information about their Save-A-Seed coalition among fellow bloggers, they are hoping to not only raise awareness but donations to support a single seed.

Here’s the seedy low down. Get it? Seedy. Yeah, luckily I crack myself up.

The cost to ensure one seed will survive is approximately $3,000 USD. SuperForest has a PayPal donation button right on their page where donations can be made for the cause. They have already collected over $1,000 but help is still needed for the additional $2,000. SuperForest is asking for that help in any way possible either through donations or simply spreading the word amongst the blogosphere so others who may not have heard of the cause can do their part to keep the information readily available.

Please consider linking back to this blog post on your own blogs to keep the information flowing, checking out SuperForest and linking back to them as well and/or donating even a few charitable dollars to the cause through the donation link. Together we will ensure the survival of the MSBP and protect up to 25% of the world’s plant population by the year 2020.