Keeping It Cool

Keeping it Cool – and Green

With the summer months approaching and the temperature line climbing up the Richter scale on a daily basis, the demand for cooling systems is, as always: skyrocketing.  Stores are frantically stocking up on their ACs, ecommerce sites are shipping in crates of cooling equipment like it’s the world’s key to survival and we, the consumers, are eagerly supporting and encouraging it all with our fear to break a sweat at any point in our prim and proper lifestyles.

And, I get that.  I get that we don’t like to be uncomfortable.  I get that life becomes a little more unpleasant when we’re at a temperature we aren’t entirely agreeable with.  I can also get the argument that we’re more productive at our jobs when we’re cool, calm and collected.   But, I know as well as anyone, most systems of “air conditioning” aren’t at the top of the list for eco-friendly/green/environmentally conscious, etc. So, okay.  If we’re not willing and/or able to perform and live life the way we’d like to (sleeping in the heat doesn’t work for me, I’ll admit it), but we don’t necessarily want to wipe out the ozone either, do we have options that won’t make us feel like the world’s worst citizen for the day?  I think we do.  Here’s what I’ve discovered.

COLD AIR

If you must have cold air blowing on you.  First, opt for a portable AC as opposed to a central AC system.  This way you can just heat the room you need to be cool, not the entire house.  You’ll cut your energy use drastically, not to mention purchasing cost and installation cost.  Second, make sure your AC is energy-star rated.  That’s a given.  Third, you need to invest in one that uses R-410A, not R-22.  R-22 is proven to deplete the ozone layer. R-410A, while more expensive, is much the greener option, and since R-22 is being phased out, eventually you won’t be able to find replacement parts or repair shops for an R-22.  It’s well worth the upfront cost.

If you don’t need it, but you like it, try a swamp cooler.  These guys are way ahead of ACs in terms of environmentally friendly.  They use no chemical coolants and require significantly less than an AC, as much as 75% less energy in fact.

HOME REMEDIES

If you’re willing to forgo plugging in an electrical source of cooling, try some of these easy tips.

Windows: Open them wide at night, and close them first thing in the morning.  You might also consider covering them and blocking out that extra sunlight heat.  If you wanna go a step further, you can check into mylar sheets or blackout curtains for really blocking the light.

Water:  Water is cooling!  Keep a misting bottle handy, and even consider keeping a cool washcloth on your neck.  This is especially great if you’re sitting at a computer desk for eight hours.  For days off, head to the nearest lake and get your swim on.

Cooking: Avoid it indoors whenever possible!  Stick to cool, refreshing foods like salads and pair them with a barbecue option for your protein.

Shopping:  Not to solely advocate shopping for shopping’s sake, but if you have errands and running around to do, do it during the daytime when you can spend the heat of the day indoors staying cool for free while you’re getting your stuff done.

When all else fails, head to a park, spread out a blanket under a tree, eat a delicious piece of crisp fruit and take a nap.  Right?

Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer currently researching portable air conditioners and the best choices for eco-friendly cooling solutions.