The Gerber Life Parenting Blog

Green-Living Goal: Green Tips For Summer

June 18, 2013

Father and Son Watering LawnAh, summer. Backyard barbeques, baseball games and pool parties are beckoning, but that does not mean it is time to forget about your green living commitments. Regardless of how busy your schedule is shaping up for the hottest time of the year, there are some easy, money-saving green tips for summer you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and set an Earth-friendly example for your family.

Cooling Your Home
Summer cooling expenses can be exorbitant, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can realize significant money savings and also help the environment by keeping your home warmer than normal when you are away. Try turning your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when you are away, and invest in thermal window coverings that help keep the sun and heat out of your home during the hottest times of the day. These green tips for summer will help you save energy and money, and most importantly they can help save the planet.

Traveling
Traveling is an ideal way to achieve your goals of going green. When you are away, focus on keeping your transportation usage low. If possible, vacation to destinations where you can walk, rather than use highway transportation. Choose eco-friendly hotels that make efficient use of water, laundering and energy usage. Finally, stick to the same green habits you have at home while you are in your hotel. For example, be sure to keep you showers short after a day at the beach, and always turn off the lights in your hotel room when you leave.

Outdoors
The outside of your home is the first impression that others have of your family, and it makes sense that you want a green lawn that lends itself to a beautiful curb appeal. However, the hot summer months can demand high quantities of water and mowing to keep your lawn in pristine condition. To make your lawn care routine more eco-friendly, try watering in the morning, as recommended by Earthshare.org. You will use less water, because evaporation occurs slower in the early hours of the day. Also, mow your law only as necessary – preferably using a manual grass cutter, rather than a gas-powered version.

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