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‘Tis the season for camp outs and cookouts; for winding road trips and long, lazy days at the pool. While there’s plenty of fun to be had during the dog days of summer, there can also be a lot of excess and waste, including wasted power, wasted water, and beyond. Thankfully, there are also some steps you can take to foreground environmental sustainability.
Here’s how to enjoy your summer without compromising your eco-conscious principles.
1) Buy an electric lawnmower.
Summer means yard maintenance, and for many homeowners, that involves a gas-powered mower. The problem is these mowers produce crazy amounts of dangerous emissions. In fact, running a traditional gas mower for a full hour produces about the same level of emissions as driving your car for 60+ miles! Today’s electric mowers are effective and long-lasting, and will help you cut those emissions to zero.
2) Invest in a reusable water bottle.
We’ve written in the past about the scourge of plastic waste. One of the biggest culprits is the disposable water bottle. You’ll definitely want to stay hydrated this summer, but by switching to a reusable water bottle, you can minimize your impact on our landfills.
3) Cut back on irrigation.
We all want to have lush, green lawns, but that doesn’t mean we have to run our sprinklers all day every day. Try to run your sprinklers just once a day, during hours without sun coverage, to reduce water waste. And using native plants in your beds can help cut back on the amount of irrigation required.
4) Rely on natural energy.
It’s pretty tough to switch off your air conditioner during the dog days of summer… though certainly, relying on a ceiling fan alone can go a long way toward cutting energy expenses, especially if a particularly cool day pops up. Otherwise, consider drying your clothes on a line instead of running the dryer; and rely on natural light instead of electric lights whenever you can.
5) Get into composting.
There’s never a bad time to start your own compost pile! Not only does compost help your garden grow, but it can also help you keep food waste out of the landfill. And in doing so, you can also minimize your contributions to climate change.
6) Eat local.
Finally, consider buying as much of your summer produce as possible from farmers markets or other local sources. This can cut back on the fossil fuels needed to transport produce across the state or the country, and it may also allow you to minimize waste via fresher fruits and veggies.
There are countless ways to embrace sustainable behaviors, no matter the season. Follow these tips to make your summer as eco-friendly as possible. With any questions, reach out to WasteXperts today!
