Summer Sustainability
Summer is a good time for many fun activities, but it’s also a great opportunity to be sustainable. Not only can practicing sustainability during the summer help the environment, it can also save you money. Try the following sustainable suggestions this season:
- Change air filters to improve air conditioning efficiency and lower your utility bills.
- Ensure there are no leaks in your sprinklers before you water your lawn.
- Repair any leaks in and around your home as well.
- Opt for reusable plates, utensils, and containers for your summer cookouts and get-togethers.
- You may change clothes often in the summer because of the high temperatures, but be sure to only wash full loads of laundry to save water.
- Don’t overwater your landscape. Instead, set irrigation system timers that accommodate the amount of rainfall your area receives during the summer.
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which will save you on cooling costs.
- Use ceiling fans to create the sensation that the room is cooler than it actually is. (Remember to turn fans off when nobody is in the room.)
- Prepare your car for summer road trips; Make sure tires are properly inflated to save on fuel and to reduce gas emissions.
Adapted and excerpted from:
L. Younes, “Summer Tips: Saving Water Around the Home,” EPA Blog (07/2012).
L. Younes, “Have a Green Summer!” EPA Blog (06/2013).
“Lawn Care & Irrigation,” UF/IFAS Extension Living Green (Accessed 06/2014).
“Heating & Cooling,” UF/IFAS Extension Living Green (Accessed 06/2014).
