Home & Garden...

The last two days we've been looking at greener summer cooling. To catch up read:

Beat Summer Heat without Beating Up the Environment

Choose the Best Air Conditioner

Today I thought we'd look at some alternative options; non-related to fans and AC. Following are some ways you can try and stay cool, while saving resources and money.

Dress for the weather - ok this might be one of those "duh" issues. However, I'm a fan of summer clothing, even in winter. I just tend to wear lighter stuff. If you tend to wear heavier stuff, take it off during the warm summer months.

Open your windows during the cool parts of the day; usually evening and early morning. Once the sun pops up, close the blinds or shades, and keep them shut all day.

Make sure the window coverings in your home are heavy enough to block sunlight. Gauzy may be pretty, but your home will be hotter for it.

Live on one level. Maybe you don't have a choice, but moving to a third floor condo is a worse idea than moving into a one level, if your aim is a cooler summer. Heat rises; stay low.

Lose weight. This one might seem odd, but the healthier you are, the more you're going to be able to regulate temperatures. If you're heavy for your size, you may be running warmer than your average weight pal. Talk to your health care provider for help and advice.

Eat and drink cool items. Ice pops are always good here are 32 Unique Homemade Popsicle Recipes & Ideas. Also, while you're at it, make homemade pops to save money and save on all that ice pop garbage (packaging).

Park in the shade. I know you don't live in your car (I hope), but if you park in the shade, your car stays cooler, and once you get home you won't feel as hot inside.

Make a big change: Move somewhere cooler. You may not even need to move states. Even if you live in New Mexico, there are cooler areas, even on the outskirts of very hot areas.