Great Green Idea: Green Energy: 5 Ways to Stay Cool in the Summer Without using your Central Air Conditioning

5 Ways to Stay Cool in the Summer Without using your Central Air Conditioning

Now that summer's here, using your central air conditioning can be very tempting and difficult to resist. Remember, though, that your air conditioning system is among the items in your house that account for large energy consumption and high carbon emissions. Using your central air conditioning will not only be bad for the environment, but will also lead to a spike in your electricity bills.

Keeping cool this summer, however, isn't just a matter of personal comfort. Many people succumb to heat stroke and physical exhaustion during hot summer days merely because they were unable to fight the heat. No need to worry, though. There are plenty of other ways to keep yourself cool which don't involve higher electricity bills. Keep your central air conditioning powered off with these alternative ways of staying cool this summer:

1. Drink plenty of water. The best thing you can do to avoid heat-related illnesses this summer is to always keep yourself hydrated. The hot temperature can be hard on your body, causing it to lose more water at a faster rate. So the trick is to always keep a bottle of ice-cold water handy, and drink regularly. Water works better than juice or lemonade because it is circulates more quickly. During summer, it is recommended that you drink around 10 glasses each day in order to compensate for the water that your body is losing. Drinking water will not only keep your thirst at bay, but will also help in keeping your body temperature at a healthy level.

2. Let the breeze in. There used to be a time when central air conditioning didn't exist, and people got by with just an electric fan or a natural breeze. Now, with all the high-powered fans and humidifiers that are out in the market today, there's no reason why you can't do the same. Open your windows and let the cool breeze in and make sure that the breeze circulates through your room or house by using a good fan and vent system.

3. Choose your clothing. Different kinds of clothing suit different weathers. For the summer, stick to tank tops, sleeveless shirts and shorts at home. Make sure to also wear fabrics that are light and cool on the skin; cotton would be your best bet in this category. Colors also matter, since some colors absorb heat more than others. Avoid dark colors such as black, blue, and brown.

4. Cool your skin. Because your skin is the most exposed part of your body, it is the organ that is most vulnerable to hot temperatures. At the same time, your skin is actually the one protection that keeps the summer heat out of your body. If you can keep your skin cool, then you've practically won the battle against summer's hot flashes. You can use various techniques to keep your skin cool and refreshed. Keep a spray bottle handy and spray yourself every so often with ice-cold water. You can also achieve the same effect with a damp towel soaked in cold water.

5. Eat wisely. The food you eat can also affect how well your body will take the summer heat. Avoid hot, spicy food especially those that have chilli in them. You should also steer clear of coffee and alcohol because these can dehydrate your body. If you ever needed a reason to eat ice cream, then beating the summer heat would be the best reason you'll ever have.