Tips for an Eco-Friendly Summer
Long summer days mean kids are on school break, taking vacation trips, having beach days, BBQs, and other fun activities. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the summer and be mindful of the environment.
Use Eco-friendly Sunscreen
When hitting the beach this summer, be sure to protect your skin with eco-friendly or “reef-safe” sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone, which are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. When shopping for reef-safe sunscreen, look for those with non-nano zinc oxide and other natural ingredients like shea butter and beeswax. Check out this article for eco-friendly sunscreen options.
Keep Your Pool Covered
Although not required under the City’s current Level 1 Water Conservation measures, it is highly recommended that you cover your pool or spa when not in use. Uncovered pools use as much water (through evaporation) as lawns. Pool covers reduce evaporation by more than 50%, so cover your pool and/or spa at night, when on vacation, and when not in use. Added bonus: you will save money on both water costs and heating the pool, since the cover helps retain the pool’s heat.
Reduce your A/C use
The summer heat can get intense, but avoid the temptation to turn on your air conditioner if possible. Air conditioners consume a lot of energy, and some still use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Instead, keep your window shades or curtains closed to block out sunlight during the warmest part of the day and turn on a fan to keep your home cool. A ceiling fan or box fan uses less energy than an air conditioner. Open your windows at night to let out warm air and let in cooler air. Evaporative cooling devices, or “air coolers”, work like air conditioning but use water. A fan blows air through water-saturated pads, redistributing the cool air. You should also consider an HVAC heat pump, an ultra-efficient single system that provides both heating and cooling.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Skip the clothes dryer and save money on your electricity bill by taking advantage of the warm summer sun to hang your clothes out to dry on a clothesline. If you must use the clothes dryer, washer, or dishwasher, be sure to do full loads and only use them during non-peak energy use hours (i.e., before 4 pm or after 9 pm). Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, which also make the house cooler. Unplug devices and appliances when not in use to prevent using “ghost power”, a low electrical current that is drawn by plugged-in devices even when they’re not being used.
Bike, Walk, Hike, or Bus
Summer is a great time to park the car and get out into the fresh air using alternate modes of transportation. Ride a bike on approximately 120 miles of bicycle lanes, paths, and marked routes around Thousand Oaks. Or go for a hike on over 150 miles of trails maintained by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA). Go for a walk at one of the many beautiful park sites maintained by the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD). If you must journey further, consider taking public transportation. The City of Thousand Oaks transit operates several local bus routes and is open to riders of all ages. Students in kindergarten through college ride for FREE. The transit services also include the Summer Beach Bus, which travels from Thousand Oaks to Zuma Beach and Ventura Harbor Beaches from now through August 8th and is free to all students.
With these simple tips, you can make your summer not only fun but also eco-friendly.
