Keeping cool without an AC- Part 1

 

The news is full of headlines indicating that energy shortages are on the horizon for most of the world. Over the decades, we have become reliant on the coolness of our air conditioners and have forgotten how we survived without them.     It is now time to rediscover how to stay cool without our AC.      Our 5 part series provides ideas on how to beat the heat this summer without the use of AC.    

Series 

1. Dress for the Heat

2. Water to the Rescue 

3. You Are What you Eat

4. House Adjustments- Part 1

5. House Adjustments- Part 2

Dress for the Heat

Clothing selection can help to keep you cool.   First, natural fibers, such as cotton, allow air to circulate around your skin.  Whereas, synthetic fibers, such as polyester, will trap heat against your skin.    

Another clothing hack is to wear loose clothing in the summertime.   This will also circulate air around your skin, releasing heat and sweat, which is your body's natural cooling mechanism.    

Wearing a hat can help with keeping the sun out of your eyes, but it can trap in the heat especially if you have thick hair.    However, if you choose a hat made out of woven cloth it will permit heat to escape.   

Finally, wearing light colors reflect light and heat resulting in becoming less hot and thus more comfortable in the summertime.   

To beat the heat without AC, look at techniques our ancestors and what techniques

other cultures utilize to stay cool without AC. Pick out an idea or two to try and the

results and leave a comment below and let us know.