Eco-friendly Tips For The Summer

With summer approaching that means long days outside, and hotter than normal temperatures. Staying cool and having fun is what most of us plan to do. Though this should be a time to try and conserve energy while we do this. Here are some easy ways that you can save energy this summer. 

Don’t Waste Water 

Saving water doesn’t just mean saving money, but using it resourcefully can diminish the amount of water being taken out of aquifers and rivers. There are several ways that you can save water at home this summer.

  • Shorten your shower: Trimming just two minutes off your shower can save up to 1,700 gallons of water per person in your household.  Another trick to conserve water is to turn it off while you soap and/or shave. Doesn’t seem like it would make an impact, but trust me the little things always do. 
  •  Water your yard in the morning or evening: Water evaporates quickly when the sun is high, so water when it’s more likely to stay in the soil. Make sure you’re watering your yard, not the sidewalk or driveway
  • Go to the car wash: Washing a car at home can use up to 100 gallons of water, commercial car washes often use only 40 gallons or less of freshwater. Making a trip to the car wash this summer would be a lot better for the earth and you.

Use Fans Instead of Air conditioners

A fan moves air around, using 90% less energy than central air conditioning units, while still keeping your house cool for summer. Implementing this change or rather sometimes the use of a fan when you might find yourself lowering the temperature for the air conditioner could save a lot of energy in the long run.  Keep yourself hydrated

During the summer months, we sometimes forget how much water our bodies need. Being out in the sun for long periods can easily cause dehydration. One way to combat this would be to always have a reusable water bottle with you. Reduces the amount of plastic and can be easily filled up. 

These are just a few tips and tricks to help you have an eco-friendly and safe summer. 

Earth Day 2021

By: Ali Niefield

Edited By: Brady Brooks

Earth Day Tips and Tricks!

For us, everyday is Earth Day! This year we have decided to dedicate our time to give you some useful tips on how to get involved and save our planet. With the help of each and every one of us, there is hope of reverting the negative changes we have seen come to light in recent years. Here are some tips to make a difference in light of this special day.

Wash your laundry in cold water

Did you know that about 90% of the energy your washing machine uses goes towards heating water? In order to save that energy, try washing your clothes with cold water instead! If you wash your clothing in cold water it not only saves energy, but it can also remove many stains while hot water shrinks, fade, or wrinkle clothing. Next time, stop and think about the effects of cold vs warmer water and make the change!

Forget the plastic straws

It’s time to ditch the plastic straws, people! Did you know that Americans use nearly 500 million plastic straws every day? Not only do these straws effect our “on land” environment, but they also have a deep impact our ocean life as well. In fact, a study showed that 100% of tested sea turtles had ingested plastic. Thankfully, we have made various reusable straws to help this problem. Many are now made from stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo! Not only will the environment be impacted positively for these investments, but the ocean will thank you too. 

Unsubscribe from junk mail

Everyone still gets that piece of mail that makes them think, “how did I end up on this list?” It is not uncommon to look at that piece of perfectly wrapped mail only to realize it has no importance to you, and then to toss it. It’s time to save some time, effort, and some trees and finally remove yourself from that mailing list! If you need information on how to easily and effectively do so, visit https://www.ecocycle.org/junkmail for six easy steps!

Switch to E-books

What is portable, lightweight, accessible anywhere, and has shareable content? E-books! There might be some satisfaction of turning the page, but there is also something to be said for the movement of swiping your hand across the screen. According to one lifecycle analysis of print books versus e-readers, the energy, water and raw materials needed to make a single e-reader is equal to that of 40 to 50 books. In terms of the effect on climate, the emissions created by a single e-reader are equal to roughly 100 books. So, the next time you want to pick up a book, try seeing if the ebook is available and remember the impact you will be making!