Our Top 5 Tips for a Greener Summer

by The Well Daily
June 16, 2011

Green is the way to go year round, but each season presents its own challenges to those of us trying to live sustainably. If your A/C is already in energy saver mode, go the extra green mile with these innovative ways to have an eco-friendly summer:

Grow Your Own: When it comes to food, you can't get more local than your own backyard, rooftop or fire escape. Just growing a few vegetables or herbs will green your grocery habits, since homegrown veggies are free of chemicals and plastic packaging. Use our guide to get started. 

Collect Rainwater: Once you've got your garden growing, start collecting rainwater for your plants. The less water we use, the less energy is needed to treat our water, and naturally filtered rainwater is actually better for plants. Be even greener and reuse an old water bottle; just attach a Petal Drops Rain Catcher and watch your water supply grow.

Car Share: If there are day trips or road trips on your horizon and you have yet to join Zipcar, now's the time to check it out. Car sharing means fewer drivers on the road, which results in fewer carbon emissions, and it's a cheap and convenient alternative to owning your own car. Get a group of friends together, reserve a hybrid with a bike rack and you're ready to hit the road.

Sun Tea: Instead of turning on the stove, use the power of sun to make tea. Fill a large glass jar with water and three teabags per half-gallon. Cover the jar and place it on the windowsill or outside in full sunlight. In a few hours, pour your sun tea over ice and serve with a few sprigs of mint.

Sun Charge: The sun can do more than make delicious tea. We're loving the Solio, a solar charger small enough to accompany you on all your outdoor summer activities. Whether you're in the park or on a mountain top, just unfold the blades and let it soak up the sun. Then recharge a your cell phone, iPod, camera and more on pure solar energy. Want a solar-powered glow in the garden as well? We like these Sunforce Solar Garden Lights for illuminating outdoor dinner parties.