How to Have an Eco-friendly Summer

The summer time is here. The flowers are bursting with color, having a tan is a possibility, and it's getting hotter and hotter as the summer rolls on. But of course there's also a global warming going on too, so it's in our best interest to find a way to stay cool while doing Eco-friendly things for the Environment. It's easy and with couple of simple purchases. You can end up saving a lot of money in the long run.

As the temperature rises, most will be seeking refuge from the heat by cranking up their air conditioner. This can be a cause for an expensive electricity bill. Air conditioners also consume a lot of energy. What can you do to keep your cost down, and at the same time conserve energy? Invest in a programmable thermostat. According to Energy star, Programmable Thermostats automatically adjust your home's temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you're away or sleeping.

Are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home's comfort
Contain no mercury
Save energy and save money on utility bills - when used properly, about $150/year
Are better for the environment, since using less energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy productionThe best thing is the thermostat is that it is inexpensive. The basic thermostat is around $30 and can run up to couple hundred dollars if you are looking for more optional settings. Most will have about four pre-programmed temperature setting. However, you can override the setting for special occasions and it won't mess up the pre-programmed settings.

Sunblock is another essential for the summer. Because of Global Warming, the ozone layer is becoming depleted therefor it is necessary to cover your family up with sunblock. There are so many to choose from. How do you decide? I would recommend Organic Sun care line. Most are cruelty free companies and made from the most natural ingredients. They cost almost the same as major regular brands. In my blog, Jolly Green Girl Confidential, I recommend some of the best Organic sun care line available.

L'Occitane: a great French company that respects the Environment, and at the same time makes awesome skin care products. They are also a cruelty free company. L'Occitane have great sun care line to protect your entire family. Their scents are all derived from nature but at the same time doesn't smell like you live in a commune traveling like hippies. You can be a corporate slave and still be a closet environmentalist.

Aubrey Organics: They have one of the most extensive Organic and Earth-Friendly sun care line. It's also pretty affordable (Same price as what you would pay at the grocery store for the "other" sun care line). They are free of Petrochemical additives which is chemical products made from raw materials of Petroleum.

Alba Organics: Another great inexpensive Organic skin care line. It smells absolutely delicious, and a personal favorite of mine. They have also after sun lotion that soothes the skin if you have been out in the sun all day.

All these great sunblocks are widely available in stores such as Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Organic markets. If there isn't one near you, you can order it from Amazon. I am a big fan of Amazon.com and most of myon-line shopping is done there. The site has recommendations and reviews from other shoppers which puts me at ease when I am purchasing somethingon-line.

Another great thing about the summer is of course the swimsuits. For some its a big drag to find the perfect swimsuit; Personally, I can live in mine. Anna Cohen who is a Couture designer has studied and worked in Italy before she started her Eco-friendly clothing line. Her clothes are chic and environmentally conscious at the same time. She uses factory surpluses for her fabric and the bathing suits are made from same materials that are used for Olympic Speed Skaters. So it's beautiful as well as functional.

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These tips will provide you with having a cool summer while doing something good for the environment. I hope you enjoy your summer and become a more conscious consumer. Remember, we only have one Earth, one planet.