It’s surprisingly easy to make a difference. Not only can you benefit from some simple choices, but your ecological footprint will also shrink. Nobody has to adopt all the changes, since any shift is positive. Here are a few more summer resolutions to consider:
1. Stay well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water, but avoid buying bottled water. Most communities have drinkable tap water. But if you have any concern, use a water filter – either an installed system or separate replaceable versions. Invest in reusable water bottles. Stainless steel is durable and long-lasting. There are bottles available for all family members, with a variety of tops to suit any preference.
2. Summer is a great time to reduce meat consumption. Rather than firing up the barbeque every evening, consider options like salads, cold soups, dips, and other possibilities. Whatever the occasion, summer meals can be more than a burger, hot dog, or steak. Inspiration can come from many world cuisines – think Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Asian. When you do choose meat, buy from local free-range sources – it will taste better and is more eco-conscious.
3. Summer means sunshine, which tends to show up every speck of dust or messy handprint. Use inexpensive and non-toxic cleansers – baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and biodegradable dish detergent.
4. Dry clothes outside – with a drying rack, washing line, or draped over lawn chairs. Standard dryers use a tremendous amount of energy. Not only that, but many people combat static using dryer sheets and other chemicals. Clothes dried outside have no static. If you find things feel too stiff, toss a load of dry clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes with no heat – or get out the iron.
5. Compost all those melon rinds and corn husks. Summer produce often comes with plenty of extra inedible material – but the worms will love it. After they have broken down kitchen waste into compost, your garden will thrive on all the rich recycled nutrients.
6. Looking for a new summer wardrobe? Think about consignment stores, where clothes are scrupulously checked prior to resale. Yard sales can yield great kids’ clothes that have been barely worn. But avoid buying new, cheap, mass-produced items, as they won’t last long and use valuable resources.
7. Consider investing in reusable items like metal coffee filters, portable mugs, and food storage containers. While more expensive initially, more durable versions need less replacement and work efficiently.
8. Choosing take-out? Find places that use recyclable containers. If you receive styrofoam, mention it to the staff – other options are just as affordable and more environmentally friendly. Often, the issue has never been raised – many places are happy to switch and benefit from advertising a eco-conscious approach. Your garbage can will also thank you, with less stinky waste to waft in the evening breeze and attract wildlife.
It just takes imagination to see how summer changes can make a difference. Maybe it’s time to consider two sets of resolutions each year – with a fresh start in January and a chance to rethink in July.
Photo credit: Stranded_starfish@Flickr.com
