If this heat has you beat, it may be short-circuiting your inner earth lover.
When your brain is in the microwave, it can be tempting to load up on plastic-laden disposable water bottles, easily breakable children’s water guns and brand new house fans. But, it is possible to avoid wasteful impulse buying while still staying cool.
When temperatures soar, fans seem to just blow around hot air. Here are some quick tricks to help you keep your cool with fans:
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Strategic placement. Using two fans can get air circulating. Have one sucking in air from the cooler part of a building and another blowing out warm air. Doing this in the evening can quickly lower inside temperatures.
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No cool air to be found? Then go old-school and blow air over a pan of ice.
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Quick fan hack. Drill holes in the bottom half of a few used plastic bottles and cut a circle nearly all the way around the bottle above the midpoint. Turn the bottles upside down and attach to a fan. Peel back the upper portion and insert ice. Turn on the fan and experience a cool breeze. As ice melts, unscrew the cap (now at the bottom) and drain.
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Another hack. Create an electricity-free fan out of the top half of two-litre water bottles screwed through a board. Drill large holes through each cap. Place the board in an open window with the narrow side of the bottles facing inside. As warm air is pushed through the narrow opening, it densifies and cools naturally.
Zero-waste drinks that are much more refreshing than store-bought bottled water:
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Freeze water in your metal or plastic water bottle. Leave room for expansion.
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Add ice cubes (or frozen berries) to your portable water bottle just before you head out the door.
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Freeze juice in ice cube or popsicle trays and enjoy.
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Add mint, cucumber slices, rose petals or other cooling plants to hot water to infuse, then chill in the fridge.
Still need more creative solutions to help you chill out?
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Stay hydrated to allow your body’s natural cooling system to work efficiently. Avoiding caffeinated beverages and salty foods supports this.
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Eat small, light meals because digestion raises your internal temperature.
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Eat spicy food as it actually cools through creating sweat.
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Wear light, breathable clothing that wicks away moisture.
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Apply ice to the wrist and neck. Using a dish towel can absorb the melting ice.
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Give your feet a soothing ice bath.
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Close your drapes and lower blinds during the heat of the day.
Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.
