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What are some environmentally friendly ways to keep cool in summer?

20 Comments

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the first step for me is to dress for the heat, meaning loose-fitting clothes that dries quickly and does not insulate. the second step is to be strategic with shade and ventilation, the general rule is to use shade in parts of your dwelling place that gets afternoon sun, and open all windows and doors to let the breeze in. the third step is to avoid creating heat in your home, meaning unplug electronics that can be unplugged, cook outside the house. the fourth step is to watch what one consumes. Maybe avoid taking that hot tea in the middle to the day. Oh, meat and dairy products are harder to digest and create more body heat, so consider that. Lastly is to do your activities with the time of day. Do all the tasks that involve heat such as cooking and ironing of clothes during the cooler times of day and tasks that cool you down like laundry and washing dishes mid-day.

But despite stating all of these, the most important is to stay hydrated. I'm Southeast Asian and we just went through a heat wave this April to May, you can trust on the reliability on these tips.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Become a naturist.

Live underground or in a forest.

Plant grass on your roof.

Open the windows but keep the curtains closed.

Spend all day mooching around the frozen food section of the supermarket.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Maybe avoid taking that hot tea in the middle to the day.

Oh come on now, didn't you learn anything from the English? A nice cuppa cools the body and solves all problems.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

A cold bath is a great way to cool down.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Walk around buck naked. Of course, this creates other problems butt you'll definitely be cooler

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I don't take holidays in the summer. My office is nicely air conditioned, but I feel it is more environmentally friendly to be cooling down the room for the benefit of the group than sitting at home playing video games under the air conditioner by myself. I take my summer holidays in either June or October, at the start or end of the allotted summer holiday natsu-kyuu period. I also take cold water baths at night, and begrudgingly sit in the same room as my wife in the evening instead of doing our own things.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The best sleep system I have found to work is to use a hammock and to direct air from a fan on your body. It makes a world of difference. Also, going camping in the mountains whenever I can takes the edge off. Nagano and Gifu are two great places to do that. Use a motorcycle for a better camping experience.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Hang out at air conditioned shops

0 ( +2 / -2 )

There is no environmentally friendly way to stay cool in a Japan summer living in homes with paper thin walls and single glazing. AC on 100% of the time is THE way and ONLY way.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Jusr

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Bare it all LMFAO!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Stock the freezer with ice lollies, open the windows but keep the curtains drawn, wear Uniqlo Airism tanks.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

AC indoors

Gatsby wipes, cooling sprays

Oh, I walk right into any convenience stores when it gets overly heated while walking outside. Always perfectly air conditioned and packed with yummy icy goodies.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

AC 24/7 ON 17C

Exactly!

Also, lots of Baskin Robbins

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Beer!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

My wife just pretends it's not hot. Seems to work for her, but everyone else at home is sweltering.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

For lazy people like myself, I recommend getting a fan with a remote. If its a question of getting up to turn on a fan or pressing a button on an AC remote, the AC will win every time.

If you have a Switchbot hub or similar, you can turn a fan or any other infrared remote controlled appliance on and off with an app on your phone.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Never say to yourself it hot until it reaches 40c. then reach for the Aircon. Just convince yourself it's only warm and you will avoid hitting the aircon at 30c. With cool weather I can not do the same self-control and start the fire when it is 18c or colder. I only use fallen timber between Property fences and the road verges which the council will turn into wood chips for public gardens anyway and are please for the public to remove, it save them the man power in and energy in doing so.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ok,just to quote my Indian colleague,"Without AC, you're DC, without air conditioning, you're a dead chicken."

Nevertheless,have never used AC at home,even when living in Aichi.

Kid's paddling pool filled with refrigerated water,two sempukis,and iced margueritas seemed to do the trick.

In rural areas,jump in the river with your laundry,two birds,one stone.

Enjoy the summer!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

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