Feeling the heat? How to keep cool consciously

IT’S HOT. We know. At times like these it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind and switch on the air conditioner, but read this: you might want to reconsider.

How to keep cool consciously

IT’S HOT. We know.

At times like these it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind and switch on the air conditioner, but if you’re weighing up the costs to both your bills and the environment, you might want to reconsider.

Now while my tops tip for keeping cool consciously would include gems like stocking up on Frosty Fruits because being hot is the perfect excuse to eat them, Tim Silverwood, co-founder of the clean beach initiative Take 3, has some slightly more constructive tips.

Tim is a specialist in environmental sustainability, having studied and worked in environmental management and conservation for 10 years, so he really knows his stuff when it comes to the environmental impact of how we cool down.

“I think it’s really important to remember that each of us does have an impact on the planet,” he tells news.com.au.

“I feel that we’re at a tipping point at the moment. We’ve got very convincing evidence of man-made impacts changing the climate, and we are seeing a desperate need for global leaders, corporations, industry and the individual to take steps to reduce that impact.”

But if we need the help of governments and corporations to make a change, can a single person really have that much of an impact?

“The individual absolutely can make a difference,” Tim says.

“Obviously limiting our use of energy in Australia will drastically reduce C02 emissions, which in turn will limit the amount of pollution, and have a subsequent impact on climate change. The individual can change the way they use energy.

“Then looking at hydration, single serve plastic packaging like bottles can have a big impact on the planet. They’re made from fossil fuels which are very energy intensive, and obviously the waste of the items left over exist in the environment for hundreds of years as landfill. Up to 1/3 of plastic pollution found on beaches worldwide comes from the beverage industry, so being able to stop or reduce the impact of that by minimising single-use beverage packaging and using something like a SodaStream helps.

“And then I mean, as an illustration to back up the claim the every person can make a difference, think about this: When you see that plastic item sitting there in the open, you might not have left it, but if you don’t pick it up, what are the consequences? It’s a hazard that means a lot to native wildlife, to plants, to the environment.”

With that said, here are Tim’s five tips to cool down consciously. They’re easy — we promise.

1. Use a fan first

Fans are a more economical and environmentally conscious way to cool a room down. They only cost approximately 1c/hour to run, and use less electricity than air conditioners, which reduces CO2 emissions. Evaporative coolers don’t use as much energy as refrigerated air conditioning, but can use as much as 60L of water an hour for ducted systems.

2. Just cool the room you’re in — and turn cooling off when you leave

You’ll save money, energy and give the cooler a chance to work properly instead of trying to cool a bigger area than it’s capable of. Shutting doors helps trap cool air looking to escape.

3. Cool yourself from the inside out

Staying hydrated is incredibly important in hot weather, especially for children and the elderly. Keep cool water in the fridge and mix it up with soda water and slices of fruit such as lemon and berries. A home beverage maker like SodaStream is a clever way to be mindful of waste from single use plastic as you can refill and refrigerate bottles of tap water as needed. Take 3 has no formal partnership with SodaStream, but we believe in it being a viable alternative to reducing plastic waste if you are wanting a carbonated drink.

4. Skip your lunchtime jog

Try and exercise in the cooler parts of the day such as early morning, or later in the afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. Remember to hydrate before and after exercise.

5. Think green long term

Trees provide vital shade and can reduce your cooling costs by blocking the sun before it hits your home. Put up exterior shade sails or grow deciduous vines over a pergola, particularly on the Western facing sides of your home where the sun hits.

More from Tim Silverwood:take3.org.au

Originally published as Feeling the heat? How to keep cool consciously