Tips for an Eco-Friendly Summer

The long days of summer are here, which means kids are on school break, vacation travel, beach days, BBQs, and other fun activities. While summer is a fun and leisure time of year, it is still important to be mindful of the environment. Here are a few ways you can enjoy an eco-friendly summer:

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. Why? 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, while on vacation, and when it is not in use. Added bonus: you will save money on both water costs and heating the pool as the cover will help retain the pool’s heat. Check out this article for more information about summer pool care.

Reduce 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. To increase the cooling effect from your fan, place a bowl of ice in front of it so it blows the cool ice air around. Open your windows at night to let out warm air and let cooler air in. Evaporative cooling is another option. 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. Check out this article for more info on air conditioning.

Another cost-effective way to reduce your air conditioner use is to insulate your house well. Although there are upfront costs associated with adding insulation, it pays for itself quickly with reduced electricity bills. Take advantage of federal tax credits on home insulation and other clean energy home improvements while the incentives are still available through the end of 2025.

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) to reduce strain on the electricity grid. Do you still have incandescent bulbs? Replace them 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. For more information about energy conservation and home electrification, check out this article.

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 approximately 120 miles of bicycle lanes, paths and marked routes around Thousand Oaks. Or go for a hike on your favorite local trail. The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) maintains over 150 miles of trails for hiking or biking. 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. Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT) operates several local bus routes and is open to riders of all ages. Students kindergarten through college ride for FREE. TOT also offers the Summer Beach Bus, which travels from Thousand Oaks to Zuma Beach from now through August 11^th and is free to all students.

Eating Meals

Cooking with an oven or gas stove can dramatically increase the heat in your home during summer months, so consider meals that can be prepared using lower energy appliances such as microwaves, instant pots, or blenders, unless you’re lucky enough to have an induction stovetop, which barely generates any heat. Or choose meals that require no cooking at all, like making simple sandwiches or wraps, or a cold salad, and serve slices of fresh summer fruits for dessert. Place all uneaten food scraps in your organics container for composting. Eat your meals using reusable plates and dinnerware and skip disposable ones. Bring your reusable water bottle with you everywhere. If you consume soft drinks or other bottled beverages, be sure and place empty containers in a recycling bin.

With these simple tips, you can make your summer not only fun but also eco-friendly.