Typhoon damage is increasing every year, and the weather is becoming more difficult to predict. It is clear that all these changes are due to climate change. While air conditioners are used to cool down, they contribute to global warming. However, it is impossible to endure life-threatening heat waves without relief. Here are seven practical lifestyle guidelines to protect the environment while avoiding summer heat.
Green Curtains: The most important thing in summer is external shading. Blocking solar heat outside is more crucial than lowering the indoor temperature. Placing or growing vine plants outside windows can act as curtains to prevent hot sunlight from entering indoors. In fact, having plants can lower the indoor temperature by about 10 degrees and also absorb carbon dioxide, providing a dual benefit. For ordinary homes, simply covering windows with plants like morning glories or ivy can reduce the temperature. If shading with plants is difficult, using insulation film is an option. It prevents warm air from escaping in winter and blocks heat from entering in summer. You can also reuse bubble wrap received in packages as insulation film.
Short Showers: Our ancestors used to cool off by washing their heads in streams or doing ‘deungmok’ (pouring water on the back) at wells. Instead of immediately using air conditioners or fans, you can lower your body temperature and avoid heat by taking cold showers. It's better to take short and frequent showers rather than long ones. Reducing shower time by 5 minutes can cut 6.6 kg of carbon dioxide per person annually. Try to keep showers short and use water-saving showerheads or a bucket to avoid wasting water.
Using Fans: It's important to ventilate to let hot air out of the house. Open both windows and doors to allow wind to flow through. When using fans, direct them outward to expel hot air from inside, thus reducing the indoor temperature.
Sprinkling Water: If you have a balcony or veranda, sprinkle water to lower the temperature. As moisture evaporates, it absorbs indoor heat, effectively cooling the space. Similarly, growing hydroponic plants can help lower the temperature.
Unplugging Appliances: Heat emitted from electronic devices increases indoor temperatures. Unplugging unused devices can reduce standby power heat and save energy. Additionally, spacing out electronic devices allows for better heat circulation, helping to lower indoor temperatures.
Humidity Control: Proper humidity can help lower indoor temperatures, but too much humidity can increase discomfort. You can use dehumidifiers like newspapers or charcoal placed around the house. Bamboo charcoal, with more pores than regular charcoal, is more effective and is a sustainable material. If charcoal is unavailable, reuse silica gel packets from food or packaging.
By following these practical guidelines, you can stay cool during the summer while contributing to environmental protection.
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