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Cool Summer
by Ann Safford
August, one of the hottest months of the year, is here. It's tempting to run the air conditioner, but consider these useful and greener alternatives to running up your energy bill.
Hang dry your clothes rather than running your dryer, which produces heat.
Try to wash your laundry either early in the morning, or late at night when energy costs are lower. Use a cold water setting on your washing machine, avoiding hot water when not necessary will reduce the humidity in your laundry room.
U
se fans in your windows on the cooler side of the house for airflow.
Set up more than one fan to get a breeze flowing through rather than just cooling one room. Setting a bowl of cold water and ice in front of your fan can help in especially hot weather, producing a nice mild breeze. Fans use considerably less energy than air conditioners.
Close your shades during the hottest parts of the day
, and open them up again in the evening hours after the sun has set. Keep the cool air trapped inside your home.
Change your light bulbs to energy-saving bulbs.
Not only are they better for your electric bill, but also they produce less heat than regular bulbs. Keep lights off during the day, and use them minimally at night.
A few steps here and there can help you live more naturally. Living green doesn't have to be expensive!
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Ann Safford
Ann is a freelance writer who lives in Massachusetts with her husband, three children and a multitude of pets including her dog, two cats, a horse and six chickens. She enjoys writing about natural living, simple lifestyles and frugal living. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, horseback riding and gardening.
Gardening Resources
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