Stay Cool and Green This Year

As summer is quickly asserting its presence upon us, an increasingly sweaty populous is looking for ways to keep cool. For most of us, that involves throwing the switch on the central AC and basking in a frigid blast. However, for those concerned about global warming, the knowledge that the refreshment you enjoy now could be causing the temperatures to spike in the coming years, said switch-throwing is not such an easy solution. Luckily, there are a lot of way to stay green and cool in the coming months. Here are the top three.

1. Keep a bottle of water handy

However, since these wipes are made of organic materials, you should keep in mind that conservation is key. So, rather than throwing them out after one use, simply keep them in a safe place, then rewet them with a water bottle. They will be good as new with each dousing, and you can rest assured that their impact on the environment is minimal.

2. Powders and splashes make a comeback

Likewise, Southern ladies have known for ages about the power of powder. In heat and humidity, it may appear impossible to completely dry off after a shower, which is why powders are popular in the deep South in the summer. Simply sprinkle some all over your body, and, for extra all-day freshness, in your shoes, for some extra absorption when (and where) it counts, and all by using readily-available talc and corn starch.

If, however, you're in a dry heat, take a lesson from the residents of Europe, where body splashes are a staple for parents and children alike. They smell great, and the tiny bit of alcohol

will give you an immediate feeling of freshness that will last for hours.

Both of these methods can help you feel as fresh as possible after a hot shower, and as green as possible, all without plugging in a thing.

3. Become a fan of fans

Basking in the soft breeze of ceiling fans and standing fans is an easy way to beat the heat, but using electric fans is not the only way to enjoy this feeling. Spanish ladies became famous for the hand fans they would bring to the bullfights in mid-summer for a reason: They work to keep you cool. This is why the tradition is very much alive today. It is nearly impossible to stand on a Metro platform in Spain during the summer without seeing virtually all the women there quietly fanning themselves. It's a cheap, and very green, way to be outdoors without melting.