Tips on Environmentally-Friendly Options

Sure, walking into a cold air conditioned room on a hot summer's day is refreshing, but the effects of an air conditioner on our bodies and our planet make relying on one environmentally unfriendly.

Using an air conditioner can reduce indoor air quality by forcing you to keep your windows closed at all times. This can increase people's sensitivity to mold, dust and chemicals.

Keeping the air conditioner running also increases our tendency to stay indoors. This encourages us to try and keep busy inside which uses electricity rather than taking advantage of the great outdoors. Swimming in a public pool or lake is a cheaper and greener way to cool off! That, or a simple ceiling fan and open windows can keep you cool on their own.

If you do use an air conditioner, keep it a low setting. There is no need to make your house below room temperature at night or when you're not home.

The European Union has outlawed certain refrigerants from air conditioners and the US plans to as well by 2010. Buying a modern, efficient air conditioner can help tone down the effects of refrigerants that deplete the ozone.

When you're indoors wear loose clothing and drink lots of water to keep yourself cool. Strip that fluffy duvet off your bed and tone it down to the simple quilt.

Whatever you do, don't waste waste your summer couped up inside! Escape from the artificial cold and into the summer breeze. Canada's summer doesn't last long, so take advantage of the sun!

Allison Smith
		About the author:
		Allison is a graduate student at Ryerson University in Toronto and the Green Editor for WOMAN.ca. She is a sometimes journalist who digs music and adventures. Her weaknesses include vegetarian food, men with beards and Ontario wines. She can be seen cruising the city on her bicycle, sipping organic coffee and dining at restaurants she can't afford. To Allison, the green movement has everything to do with moving towards a more natural way of life.
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