As our climate changes and our summer temperatures become more extreme, many of us in the UK will struggle without air conditioning, stuck in our homes with thick walls. Have a read of some sustainable ways to stay cool this summer.
Keeping the cool in:
First thing in the morning and last thing at night, open your window to let the cool and fresh air in. The, once the day begins to warm up it is more effective to close curtains, blinds and windows to keep the sunlight and heat out.
Reducing indoor heat:
Avoid using unnecessary electronics and appliances such as the stove and oven. Instead, use a microwave, air fryer where necessary, and otherwise keep to cooler food and drink.
Optimise fans:
Fans do not produce cool air, but rather create a breeze in the room they are in. Consider putting a frozen hot-water bottle or bowl of ice in front of the fan to reduce the room temperature.
Heat rises:
Heat rises, so where possible, if you have a downstairs, it is likely to be cooler. Spend more time in cooler spaces and even consider sleeping down there.
Managing our personal temperature:
Monitoring and managing our personal temperature are incredibly important to staying cool when we have limited cool external places. Dressing sustainably, keeping hydrate, limiting unnecessary movement and taking tepid showers all play an important role to keeping our body temperature down.