The first day of summer is next week and while it’s been much cooler this year than last year, it’s still be a bit above normal and pretty warm. The heat can make it hard to stay cool and can mean increased water and energy use. We have some ideas to help you be prepared.
- Use a rain barrel. Installing rain barrels can help you store up water, that would normally be wasted, for when you need it. Many home improvement stores carry rain barrels and they are easy to install and use. They also can really cut down on your water use.
- Check out our post with tips on reducing your energy use.
- When planting pick native plants that are heat and drought resistant, you will have to water less and they will make it through the hot Oklahoma summer.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed to keep the sun from heating up your house.
- When mowing keep your grass a bit longer, it will protect your lawn and it will require less water.
- If you are going to water be sure to do it in the morning or evening. Watering during the hottest part of the day wastes water as much will just evaporate.
- Stay hydrated. This is very important. A good way to stay hydrated and cool is to use a Klean Kanteen stainless steel insulted bottle and filling it with ice water. You can find these bottles online or locally at Native Roots Market.
- And some fun ways to stay cool this summer is to make homemade ice cream, homemade lemonade, and homemade popsicles.
Do you have easy tips for this summer? Share your tips in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook.
Photo Credit: turtlemom4bacon
About the Author
Lisa Sharp is passionate about green living, organic food, animals, and natural medicine. She is an environmental activist, green living expert, and freelance writer. In addition to being the founder and editor of Green Oklahoma, Lisa has a green living blog, Retro Housewife Goes Green. You can follow Lisa on twitter @Retrohousewife5 and Facebook.
