Sustainable Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

Summer in the Philippines can sometimes feel like a battle against nature itself, especially to those who brave the heat every day going to school or work. Sometimes, even the trusted umbrellas and hand fans just can’t cut it, as temperatures rise to uncomfortable levels. 

While it may be tempting to simply crank up the air conditioner to cool down, there are some practical ways to beat the summer heat without necessarily busting your electric bill.

Here are simple lifestyle adjustments that can help make summer less cruel while being eco-conscious at the same time.

Partially opening your doors and windows during the day when the sun is at its highest will help circulate air inside and prevent heat from taking over your home.

This is helpful especially if you have windows on opposite sides of your house, as crosswinds can blow through, carrying out hot air while bringing in cooler air inside.

During the time of day when the sun is facing your windows, it might be best to close the curtains or blinds but keep the window slightly open.

Keep in mind though that if you are living close to busy streets or roads, you might need to do make a small effort to clean your home more than usual as opening your windows might cause dust build-up.

If your home has a high ceiling, then you are in luck — tall ceilings create ample vertical space for hot air to rise and disperse, preventing it from lingering and creating discomfort at lower levels.

You can still rock your best OOTDs even without layering several clothes.

During the summer season, play around with light-colored and loose-fitting clothes that are made from breathable fabric — these will help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. 

Light colors like white, pastels, or soft shades reflect sunlight and help keep you cooler by not absorbing as much heat as darker-coloured clothes.

Meanwhile, loose-fitting and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen allow air to circulate around your body, promoting evaporation of sweat and aiding in heat dissipation.

You can also explore different styles like clothes with open weaves or mesh, which would allow heat to escape from your skin more easily.

If you are into fragrances, it is also a good idea to spritz cool and fresh scents.

Certain perfumes contain cooling ingredients such as menthol or citrus notes, which can provide a refreshing sensation when applied to the skin. The evaporation of these fragrances can create a cooling effect, especially when worn on pulse points like the wrists and neck.

Matching your clothes with the right perfume will help immensely in uplifting your mood and provide comfort amid the heat.

Using sunscreen is a must, especially during the summer season.

By forming a barrier on the skin's surface, sunscreen reduces the absorption of heat, keeping the skin cooler and more comfortable, even under the sun.

Take note that if you are traveling, it is best to get mineral-based sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These types of sunscreens are non-toxic to marine life and do not contribute to coral reef bleaching.

See to it that you keep yourself hydrated all day. A common piece of advice is to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, but you might need more, especially during summer.

Sipping water regularly, even when you are not thirsty, helps replenish the fluids lost through sweating and keeps your body temperature regulated. 

When heading out, consider bringing a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic bottle use.

You can also increase your fluid intake by consuming fruits with high water content, like oranges and watermelon. Fruit juices are a good option too. Not only can they be refreshing, but they also contain vitamins which are good for your health.

Re-organizing your daily activities can also help you avoid being a victim to the harsh heat during the summer season. 

Schedule any outdoor activity, whether running for an errand or working out, early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Usually, the hottest time of the day in the Philippines is between 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, when temperatures can reach as high as 34 degrees Celsius or even more.

Additionally, you can also make some adjustments in your home, especially on how you use your appliances and gadgets. 

For instance, avoid setting your fans to their maximum setting. Instead, allow it to complement the natural ventilation provided by opening your windows. 

Furthermore, you can opt for energy-efficient appliances that generate less heat, such as LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs.

Bringing the vibrant greenery of plants into your living space does not just add visual appeal — it also helps create a comfortable environment as the summer heat sets in.

Acting as nature's air purifiers, plants improve air quality whether you place them indoors or outdoors, ensuring a more comfortable and refreshing atmosphere during the hottest months.

Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, where water evaporates from their leaves into the air. This evaporation cools the surrounding environment, like sweat cools our skin.

It’s never too late to be plantito or plantita — you can start with low-maintenance plants that do not necessarily require a green thumb like the snake plant, aloe vera, money tree, monstera, and the spider plant.

By embracing more sustainable ways to deal with the summer heat, you will also be able to contribute small steps towards a greener, more resilient future.