Home & Garden

Hot Tips for a Green Summer
by Chapman Vail

As the temperature rises, and the summer sizzles, it is all too easy to crank up the air conditioner and let the water run. But there are ways to be conscientious and eco friendly without sacrificing comfort. Just follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to greening up those dog days of summer.

1. Keep your air conditioner tuned and well functioning. A well maintained air conditioner works more efficiently. The more efficient it is, the more money you save in electricity. You can also raise your thermostat a few degrees. This small difference helps lessen electric demand, lower your electric bill, and still maintain a comfortable living environment.
2. Buy food locally. Farmers markets dot the landscape all over Salem County. By purchasing locally grown produce, not only do you eat healthier, you travel less, but you support the sustainability of our local economy.

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3. Avoid paper plates and cups. When barbequing in the backyard, use the dishes out of the cabinet. By reducing the use of paper products, you save trees and reduce waste sent to the landfills. And by washing the dishes in your high efficiency dishwasher, you save lots of water too!
4. Let it turn brown. With the summer heat, comes the tendency to want to water the lawn. Turn off the sprinklers and let it turn brown. Grass, in times of summer heat, naturally goes dormant and turns brown. Most of the water used only evaporates into the air and never reaches the roots to green up the lawn anyway, so save water, save money, and let the mother nature green up your lawn for you with the cooler temperatures in the fall.
5. Use natural repellants. When the sun sets on the hot summer days, as we relax on the porch soaking in the air of a summer evening, those buzzing mosquitoes tend to nip away at us. Put those poisonous spray repellants away and consider natural garlic barrier or planting Rosemary in the garden. These natural methods are both proven effective to ward of those pesky mosquitoes.

Summer is time to be outside and enjoy our environment. Whether it is sitting under a tree or basking in the sun, remember to minimize your impact and take your belongings with you.  Every little thing we do, has a huge impact on preserving our resources!