As the summer season is well underway, here are 7 tips that you can easily implement to make your holiday season more sustainable!  

It’s no secret that summer months are getting warmer and drier each year, and 2024 is no exception to this trend. By making a few simple changes, you can enjoy the sunshine while minimising your environmental impact. Here are some easy and effective ways to make your summer greener: 

1.Manage your water consumption efficiently, and only use water outdoors when needed.  

Be mindful of your water usage, especially during dry spells. Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation and ensure the water reaches the roots.

2.Eat local and seasonal produce. It is fresher and more flavourful!  

Support local farmers by purchasing in-season fruits and vegetables. This reduces the carbon footprint of transporting food and ensures you’re eating fresh, nutritious produce, all while supporting your local economy.

3.One step further – grow your own produce! You can do this both outdoors and indoors.  

Start a garden, whether it’s in your backyard or in containers by a window. Growing your food reduces the need for transportation and packaging, and it can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

4.Use ‘green’ search engines such as Ecosia or OceanHero.  

Ecosia uses its ad revenue to plant trees, helping to combat deforestation and offset carbon emissions. Make it your default search engine to contribute to environmental causes with every search.

5.Reduce energy consumption by using fans instead of air conditioning.  

Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioners. To stay cool, use fans, draw curtains to block out the sun, and take advantage of natural ventilation when possible.

6.Opt for eco-friendly transportation methods.  

Walk, bike, or use public transportation for daily commutes and outings. These methods are not only better for the environment, but they are also a great way to stay active and enjoy the summer weather.

7.At the end of summer, store your photos and videos on a hard drive! Information technology accounts for about 3% of global CO2 carbon emissions.

Instead of relying on cloud storage, which requires energy-intensive data centres, store your digital memories on external hard drives. This helps reduce the energy consumption associated with data storage.  

By incorporating these tips into your summer routine, you can enjoy the season while minimising your environmental impact.

Let’s make this summer not only enjoyable but also eco-friendly!