The sweltering heat known as the “dog days of summer” has officially hit the city streets and suburbs of Gwinnett County. While it’s natural to want to adjust the thermostat to somewhere south of 70 degrees, you will likely incur some sizeable power bills. According to Carrier – a manufacturer of eco-friendly air conditioners – “air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the U.S., at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners. As a result, roughly 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are released into the air each year.” Although an eco-friendly air conditioner is a viable way to cool your home while reducing energy consumption and promoting a greener future, unless you’ve already got one or are willing to replace your current A/C unit, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful has compiled a list of several actions you can take over the weeks to come to help beat the heat while saving the planet…
- Consider Your Couture: How you dress is an excellent first step for keeping cool. Lightweight clothing from sustainable, natural fibers – like cotton and linen – is designed to breathe. Used for centuries, both are on-trend for being plant-based. Fabrics crafted from bamboo and recycled polyester –made from post-consumer plastic bottles and other recycled materials – are known for their moisture-wicking capabilities. In addition to fabrics, the cut of your clothing can also keep you cool – like sundresses, sleeveless tops, and shorts. Remember, too, that lighter colors absorb less sunlight, and looser-fitting clothes create a chimney effect – allowing air to pass along the skin, accelerating the evaporation of sweat while carrying off excess heat.
- Stay Hydrated: Much like the old movies where adventurers braved the desert with a canteen strapped to their waistband, you should always have a reusable water bottle on hand. More and more water fountains are equipped with water filtering and bottle refilling capabilities. Fight the urge to use single-use plastic water bottles, but – if you do – be sure to recycle that bottle when you’re done. Certain fruits and vegetables, like watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, and bell peppers, are also great for keeping your body hydrated. By staying hydrated, you not only beat the heat but also take care of your health.
- Explore Some Shady Trails: At Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, we embrace and encourage the urge to be outdoors, but you might want to keep an eye on things like UV index, temperature, and air quality before you head out. If you like to stay active despite the time of year, Gwinnett County and many of its municipalities are loaded with terrific trails for walking, running, and cycling. Some come complete with a lovely canopy of trees that will help keep you cool – particularly if you elect to hit the trail early in the morning. Some shady trails that come to mind are Little Mulberry Park, Bogan Park, and the Suwanee Greenway Trail.
- Add Water and STIR: Little ones like to be outside, and families can get a little stir-crazy with too much time spent indoors. If you don’t have a pool in your backyard or community, Gwinnett Parks & Recreation offers several aquatic centers throughout the county where you can turn. Several cities also offer splash pads and fountains that use reclaimed water for an environmentally friendly way to have a splashtacular summer. Make your way to Suwanee Town Center, the City of Buford, the Town of Braselton, The City of Sugar Hill, Lillian Webb Park in Norcross, Lilburn City Park, Peachtree Corners Town Green, Snellville Towne Center, and the Duluth Town Green.
Gwinnett Safety 411 reminds us that the heat can be hazardous to seniors, children, and people with asthma. Limit their exposure to soaring temperatures by making sure they take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Be sure to monitor children at play and periodically check on seniors who live alone. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, like rapid, shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; heavy perspiration; general weakness; muscle cramps; fluctuating pulse; dilated pupils; and possible loss of consciousness. By being vigilant and taking these precautions, we can all beat the heat and keep our loved ones safe. For more tips on ways to beat the heat, visit Gwinnett Safety 411.
For other eco-friendly tips, be sure to bookmark the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful blog and visit often, subscribe to our monthly e-blast at the bottom of our homepage at www.GwinnettCB.org, and follow us on social media, including Facebook (@gwinnettcb), Instagram (@greengwinnett), LinkedIn (@gwinnett-clean-beautiful), and Twitter (@gogreengwinnett).
Photo Credit: Gwinnett County Government
