Here are 6 easy ways to live sustainably this summer:
Hang / Air Dry Your Clothes
After you wash your clothes, hang them up somewhere to air dry. Air drying your laundry reduces energy usage, decreases wear and tear of clothing, and it naturally humidifies your air. Whether you choose to dry your clothes inside or outside, the warm weather and sunshine will help reduce the work of your dryer a ton this summer. When clothes are tumbled around in the high heat of a dryer they are more likely to shrink, fade, or develop holes over time. Reducing energy usage will not only be better for the environment but also better for your electric bill. Why not let the air do the work for free!
Shop at Farmers Markets
Shopping local is such an easy way to support sustainability. Farmers markets provide fresh, local food and other products. The farmers selling their produce, honey, bread, and more make a living from sustainably grown food and support the other vendors in order to have a mutually beneficial relationship. This process allows for smaller farmers and businesses to thrive, when they may not have the opportunity to become as successful otherwise. When shopping at farmers markets, you are not only benefitting from the natural products but you are also supporting the local farmers and artisans of the area.
Use Less Vehicle Energy
Walk or bike wherever you can this summer. If your destination is too far away, roll your windows down and enjoy the weather. By reducing the number of trips you take in your car you will save money and energy. Decreasing fuel usage will lower your fuel and running costs as well as cut back on the amount of polluting emissions into the air. If possible, carpool places with friends. It can be fun to run errands with other people. Plus, why wouldn’t you want to show up to the function already with your friends? When you do need to go somewhere in your car this summer turn your AC off, roll your windows down, and feel the breeze of the fresh air. Trust me, it feels amazing and you can thank me later.
Re-Grow Food from Kitchen Scraps
Food can be expensive. Re-growing some of your already used produce is free and simple. There is an immense amount of fruits and vegetables that you can replant and grow yourself without having a huge farm or garden. Some fruits and vegetables include lettuce, avocado, potatoes, onions, peppers, apples, and lemons. Replanting some nuts and herbs is possible too. Planting and growing your own food is beneficial to your health and your environment. When growing your own foods, you are in control of what fertilizers and pesticides come into contact with your food. Similarly to shopping at local farmers markets, by growing your own food you are eating local, avoiding buying imported products, therefore reducing carbon emissions. Gardening is a great way to spend time outside while helping the air and environment around you.
Support Sustainable Swimwear
Temperatures are rising, vacations are being planned, and a swimsuit is a summer necessity. If you are spending your summer outside and in water, it only makes sense to wear something sustainable. This summer, find a bathing suit that looks great on you and is also great for the environment. Wolven has numerous options of reversible swimsuits that are made from OEKO-TEX certified recycled PET. This is a fabric that is created by breaking down existing plastic that is currently clogging up our landfills and polluting our oceans. Reversible swimsuits are also great because they can be worn in different ways, acting as multiple suits for the price of one. It doesn’t get any better than that, right?
Be Outside, but Leave No Trace
Support sustainability during the summertime by spending time outside. Try to think of what outside activities are possible in your area. Avoid paying for indoor activities and get outside and appreciate the natural beauties of the world. Relax on the beach, hike a trail, go camping or have a picnic in the park. Whatever outdoor activities you choose to do this summer, do not leave anything behind. Clean up after yourself and other when you see litter on the ground. Avoid bringing plastic with you at all costs and always leave the areas you hang out in the same way or better than you found it. Another simple tip to enjoy your summer outside is to get off your phone, appreciate the outdoors, spend time with people you love, and treat your body with the wellness it deserves.
About the Author: Sidney Yost @sid_yo
Sidney has had a passion for fashion and photography ever since she was a child. She has chosen to explore her interests further by studying both fashion marketing and management and photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Growing up on the East Coast in Jacksonville, Florida, Sidney has always found great joy in spending lots of her time at the beach and exploring the outdoors. Through the stresses of life, Sidney discovered and started practicing yoga and meditation and has developed a true love and great amount of gratitude for connecting with her breath, mind, and body. She can also always be found on the dance floor, moving to the music. Over time, she has become extremely conscious of her choices and the impact that they make on the environment and the world around her, learning to care about being sustainable with everything she can. Sidney lives a positive, colorful, free-spirited lifestyle, following wherever her heart takes her. She is blessed to be able to write for Wolven this summer and hopes to connect and create with other like-minded people through this community!
