The rainy days are nearly over and soon we’ll all be sat in our gardens basking in the warm sun with a can of cider in hand. Not only is summer the perfect time to catch a tan, but it is also the perfect time to embrace renewable energy and adopt sustainable practices to reduce your environmental impact and enjoy plenty more comfortable summers to come. In this guide, we’ll explore a range of renewable energy options, as well as some quick and easy practical tips to help you have a more sustainable summer.
Catching Rays With Solar Panels
Installing solar panels on your roof is one of the best ways to generate clean, renewable electricity for your home. Not only do solar panels reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, but they also offer long-term cost savings on your energy bills. Installing solar panels for summer also means your solar panels will be less affected by cloudy days and provide you with more energy.
Solar Chargers: Power on the Go
Solar chargers allow you to enjoy your summer activities with the knowledge that your devices will stay charged. These compact and convenient solutions charge your devices using the sun's energy and eliminate the need for grid-based electricity, keeping your energy bills low and your home greener than ever.
Solar Lighting
Make the switch to solar-powered outdoor lighting to illuminate your patio or garden. These eco-friendly alternatives to traditional lighting require no wiring and turn on automatically, providing a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing way to enjoy your outdoor spaces no matter the time.
Keep Cool With Air Source Heat Pumps
Ditch the hand-held fan and discover the efficient cooling system provided by air source heat pumps, these technologies use electricity to extract heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors to provide cooling without the excessive energy consumption seen in traditional air conditioners. Beyond cooling, air source heat pumps can also be used for heating in the colder months, providing you with year-round comfort.
Embracing Sustainable Practices
In addition to renewable energy solutions, there are numerous sustainable practices you can easily adopt to make your summer more eco-friendly.
1. Reduce Water Consumption
I know it’s tempting to hose yourself down during warm summer days to cool off, but it is crucial to implement water-saving strategies where you can. Opt for shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing
your teeth, and reuse the water from paddling pools to water plants.
2. Minimise Food Waste
Take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce during the summer by shopping locally or try growing your own herbs or vegetables, you can’t get much greener than home-grown peppers. Plan your meals carefully to reduce food waste and consider composting any organic waste to nourish your garden.
3. Embrace Sustainable Transportation
Whenever possible, choose eco-friendly modes of transportation and walk more to truly make the most of the summer weather while you can.
4. Adopt Reusable Habits
There is a sharp increase in the use of disposable plastics during the summer, as people nip to the shops to stay hydrated with a fresh, cold bottle of water or a new bottle of suncream. While it is of course important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun during the summer, planning ahead will significantly reduce the number of disposable plastics you use in the summer. Think carefully about what you will need for your summer activities, to reduce the amount of disposable plastics you use. Opt for reusable alternatives, such as water flasks to keep your drinks cold and eco-friendly, bamboo utensils when eating your picnic. This simple switch can have a significant impact on reducing waste and preserving the environment.
Overview
Go green this summer by incorporating these sustainable practices into your daily life and embrace the endless benefits of renewable energy to lower your carbon footprint and your energy bills. There is no better time than the present to adopt renewable energy technologies, whether it be air source heat pumps or solar panels. Aside from renewable energy, there are numerous solutions that can be quickly adopted by many to ensure a more eco-friendly summer. From bamboo utensils to growing your own vegetables, there is a solution that works for everyone.
Summers are set to become warmer and warmer each year. By taking these small steps towards sustainability, you will play a part in ensuring that we can enjoy many more amazing summers in the future.
If you’re interested in making the switch to renewable energy sources, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Project Heating Solutions today. We’d be happy to help!
