Image by Per Ola Wiberg / Creative Commons

I don’t know about where you live, but it has been getting pretty hot around here. Temperatures have been closing in on 100°F and I’d say it is about time for some eco-friendly summer tips. Last year I covered this topic as well, and I figured it would be worth repeating, especially for those of you who missed out. So in honor of the “greenie” in all of us, here are my eco-friendly summer tips that are worth repeating:

1. Let in some light. Why waste electricity in your house or workplace, when all you need to do is open the blinds and you’ve got light.

2. Get a few living air purifiers aka indoor plants. They will liven up your home as well as help fight indoor air pollution, which is often worse than most of us realize.

3. Plant some native plants. There are many reasons why you should do this, but here are a few good reasons to plant native species in your garden. Of course, one of the best reasons is that you won’t waste so much water.

4. Start your own backyard (or front yard) garden and grow some fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re organic and they taste better. Here are a few ideas for vegetables to plant in July.

5. Find out when your local Farmers’ Market is being held and go there to get some in-season, local produce.

Image by Andy Fell

6. Eat at home. Get away from processed foods and start making more meals at home. It’s cheaper and better for you too.

7. Remember to practice healthy summer grilling tips. And even though it isn’t grilled, I wanted to share my new favorite recipe, Anita’s Lime Avocado Quinoa Salad, and yes, this tasty recipe is perfect for summer picnics and parties.

8. If you need to do any driving, slow down a little. Not only will it help with your fuel consumption but it will help you enjoy your drive time. A proven fuel additive wouldn’t hurt either…hint, hint.

9. Quit idling. Just turn off the car. Turn it back on when you are ready to go again. It’s that simple and it saves gas and harmful emissions. (The new Malibu Eco has a cool feature that switches off the gas-guzzling engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and lets it idle on a lithium-oin battery.)

10. If you can walk or ride your bike instead, then do so. Many people don’t consider this as a viable option, but just think how much you used to walk around when you were younger. Those feet were made for walking.

Image by one2c900d

11. If you need to go somewhere a little further away, check public transportation options. Riding the bus or taking the train are smart ways to get around during the summer.

12. Make the simple change so you do all your energy-heavy chores off peak hours. Do your laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cooking, etc. at night. Doing so will cut your energy bill and help prevent your home from heating up unnecessarily during the day.

13. Skip the dryer and hang your clothes out to dry. If you have the space to do so, might as well take advantage of it.

14. Plan a staycation. Maybe you don’t have time to go on a full-blown vacation. Maybe you’d rather stay closer to home. Either way, here are 25 great ideas you can incorporate into your staycation plans.

15. If you are planning on going camping this summer, be sure you learn how to have a “leave no trace” camping trip. Some simple basics can help ensure others will be able to experience the beauty of your camping spot just as you did.

16. Is the thought of going somewhere to camp during the summer months a little too daunting? Set up camp in the backyard. Especially if you have kids, this is a great idea for a smart, eco-friendly activity the entire family will enjoy.

Image by zet

17. Have a potluck get-together. Invite family and friends over for a picnic or backyard party. Ask them each to bring a specific food item (in a reusable container) along with their own dinnerware, cups, etc. This way you’ll have a great mix of foods and drinks. Plus, there will be very little clean up or waste afterward. Check out these green picnic tips.

18. Remember the sunscreen. But not just any sunscreen, you need to choose a non-toxic sunscreen so you aren’t polluting your skin or the environment.

19. Drink, but don’t waste water. Your body needs water to stay healthy and hydrated. So you need to drink water. Don’t waste it though. Any “leftover water” can be used to water plants, give to your pets, etc. Just be aware of what you are doing and you will probably save quite a bit.

20. Unplug. Even if you missed this challenge on the 4th of July, it doesn’t mean you too can’t make a personal commitment to unplug more and reconnect with family and friends. Declare your independence from technology.

Image by Ben

21. Since you are going to unplug, get outside! That’s right, I saved this one for last, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t important. It’s key not only for your health, but your peace of mind to get outside, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy nature a little bit. Go for a hike, a walk, a bike ride, relax in the pool, sit on the porch…whatever you do, just get outside for a bit every day.

There you have it. 25 simple eco-friendly tips to help you get through the summer. If you have any personal favorites, let me know. I’d be happy to hear what eco-friendly things you’ve got planned for the summer. Have a great one and as I always say, have a biofriendly day!

Image by Atli Haroarson / Creative Commons

For 42 years Earth Days have come and gone. What makes this one any different? To start, today there are more than 22,000 Earth Day Network partners in 192 countries participating in the Earth Day mobilization movement. In addition, more than 1 billion people around the world will be taking part in this year’s Earth Day activities and events.

All in all, Earth Day is a great way for the people of earth to join together in a common purpose to “help Mobilize the Earth™”. It is one day when “People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection.”

I, for one, am all behind doing that because I truly enjoy certain aspects of this planet and I want my children and their children to be able to enjoy them too. Unfortunately, after Earth Day is over, many people are going to go right back to their “normal” non environmentally-friendly habits and routines.

There are a few actions, here and there, that will seep in. Actions that people will take home with them. One of the simplest things EVERY person on the planet can do though, is to pledge to do an act of green. I don’t mean you should make a one time pledge, but rather a pledge to do an act of green that you can continue to do each and every day throughout the year. Here are some examples of pledges you can make this Earth Day:

• Reduce your food waste. (Tip: It all starts with planning)
• Plant and maintain a vegetable or herb garden.
• Plant a tree.
• Set your thermostat to save on energy costs associated with running your air conditioning (recommended is 78 when you’re at home and 85 when you are away).
• Save water. Try these 10 simple ways to conserve water.
• Make more fresh, local and organic meals at home.
• Go for a walk every day.
• Help keep your park and neighborhood clean.
• Donate your unused clothes and household items.
• Carpool or take public transportation at least once a week.
• Switch to natural cleaning supplies to clean your home.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Here are a few more energy-saving tips that will also help you get through Spring and into Summer. (I know it feels like Summer here already.)

It all starts with making one simple pledge, one simple change in your life and lifestyle. Then this time next year you’ll be a lot further along and you’ll probably find your simple “act of green” has become the new normal.

Almost 993,000,000 people have pledged to do an act of green this Earth Day. What act of green are you pledging to do this Earth Day and beyond?

Image by Mike Behnken / Creative Commons

I have seen a number of posts recently pertaining to famous quotes on a variety of different topics. One post I haven’t seen, however, is something about renewable energy, solar and the power of the sun. So, I figured why not put one together?

In honor of both the power our sun provides us on a daily basis along with our current and future use of that power, here are some of the interesting and/or inspirational quotes I found about renewable energy, solar power and the ultimate power of the sun:

“We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using Nature’s inexhaustible sources of energy – sun, wind and tide…I’d put my money on the Sun and Solar Energy, what a source of Power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out, before we tackle that.” – Thomas Edison

“I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun’s energy. If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago.” – British Chemist, Sir George Porter

“We simply must balance our demand for energy with our rapidly shrinking resources. By acting now we can control the future instead letting the future control us.” – Jimmy Carter

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” – Gautama Siddharta

“The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.” – Ralph Nader

“What we’re going is planing the seeds of alternative energy providers, so that a few years down the road we will have a diversity in sources of energy. That’s a far better position for an institution to be in than to be stuck with not many sources and sources that cause a lot of pollution and environmental problems.” – Paul Ruskin

“The two most abundant forms of power on Earth are solar and wind, and they’re getting cheaper and cheaper…” – Ed Begley, Jr.

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“There is sufficient (energy) in the Sun to maintain its output of heat for 15 billion years.” – Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington

And last but not least, an Apache Blessing: “May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know it’s beauty all the days of your life.”

Image by Tim Samoff / Creative Commons

Renewable energy, such as that found in the power of the sun, is an intrinsic part of our future. By tapping into the renewable resources found on the Earth and in the skies, we will be able to bring power to our world like never before. I look forward to seeing what the future of renewable energy holds.

Image by Triple Tri / Creative Commons

The big game is almost here and if you are any kind of football fan you’ve probably already figured out who you are watching the game with, where you are going to watch it, what you are eating and most importantly which team you want to win. With all of that figured out, I wanted to give you a few friendly tips to help lower your environmental footprint just a bit. Don’t worry, they are easy to do and won’t cramp your style. You game?

First of all, many people are planning on attending parties, get-togethers or gathering at a local bar/restaurant in order to watch the game. Needless to say, there is going to be a lot of food at most of these places. You will probably have your choice of tasty snacks, drinks and other foods.

Image via Netta S on Pinterest via Facebook.com

That being said, it is important not only to not eat too much, but to not waste food either. Take a look at some of these shocking facts about how much food we waste. My tip is to a) make less, b) send friends home with leftovers so they don’t go to waste, c) compost any other left over food, and d) recycle all bottles and cans.

If you are the host of a game day party, or if you are going to a “potluck” party, then here are some organic recipes that may help you out. I know we all have our favorite, go-to snacks, but there is no need to indulge in 100% fatty foods when you can add in some fresh, yummy, organic alternatives. Feast away!

Now, you may not be aware of this, but for the last 18 years the NFL has been taking steps to “green” the Super Bowl, and this year is no different. Green Mountain Energy Company is going to be the company supplying 15,000 megawatt hours of “renewable energy certificates” designed to help offset some of the electricity (and resultant greenhouse gas emissions) that will be used at seven of the primary NFL venues on game day.

If the NFL can do it, so can you. My first tip is to to carpool wherever you are going. Second, if you don’t have plans for the game, make them – 10 people in one room will use a lot less electricity than those same 10 people being in 10 different rooms watching the game. Third, if you’re planning a big get-together, you and your guests can choose whichever Green Mountain offset product best suits your needs and take steps to offset your environmental footprint for the entire day.

Ditch the disposables. Instead of going out and getting plastic forks, knives, spoons, plates and cups, my tip is to ask all your guests to bring their own. Trust me, it’s not that hard. Besides, if someone forgets, you can also have some reusable supplies on hand to help them out.

Well, that about covers it for now. If you have any other helpful tips, please feel free to drop a comment and share the wealth. For those of you who missed it, here was last year’s green facts and figures surrounding the Super Bowl. Here’s hoping you have a great and biofriendly weekend. Enjoy the game!

Image by Charles Cook / Creative Commons

With Google recently investing a hundred million dollars into the world’s largest wind farm, alternative energies continue to be a hot topic amongst environmentalists, businesses, corporations, governments and investors alike. Opting for a greener, more environmentally-friendly method of powering our world is something many people are actually beginning to take seriously.

Wind and solar power are two of the front-runners when it comes to alternative energy, although there are a variety of other energy sources which could prove viable. Each major source of alternative energy has not gone without its critics however, and freak accidents such as this tend to inspire people to look for safer and greener options:

Incidents like this should not discourage people from seeking out wind energy collection systems which can prove, and in some instances have proven, to be safe and environmentally-friendly. Here are a few examples where wind energy collection goes far beyond the traditional turbine:

The first is a design which was done for the Solar Parks Works – Solar Highway Competition. It is a bridge aptly titled the “Solar Wind“. The bridge consists of a solar roadway on top, for the cars to travel across, and a selection of 26 different sized turbines below, which also serve to decorate the lower portion of the bridge. This combination bridge is estimated to be able to produce enough electricity to power 15,000 homes a year.

Image from the Solar Park South Online Competition

This next wind turbine design recently won a CleanTech Open sustainability award. “Invelox” is a truly non-traditional turbine which has the appearance of a gigantic phonograph, and with its velocity increasing features, can produce 3x the power of a traditional turbine. It also has the capability to capture wind when the speeds are as slow as 2mph.

This next is an interesting idea centered around the idea of getting further off the ground in order to tap into the constant flow of the wind. Although I’m not completely sold on this particular wind energy collection system, you have to admit, it is an innovative idea.

The Gullwing Twin Wind Towers are a creative idea to combine wind collection within the structure of a building. Instead of requiring a large, empty space to place tall turbines out in the open air, the turbines are fitted to the outside of the building. Placed on circular guides, which are then moved by the strength of the wind, these turbines can then power the buildings they encircle.

Image from Giacomo Sanna’s Portfolio

The world’s first official wind tower comes from ZENA System, however. It doesn’t surround an office or residential building, but it does allow the power of the wind to be captured from any direction. Some of its key features are:

• It is a 360-degree hexagon that can capture the wind from any direction,
• It is relatively easy to maintain, thus lowers maintenance costs,
• It is 2.5x more efficient than a standard turbine, and
• It is a safe and flexible alternative energy storage system.

Image from ZENA System Co., LTD

In terms of a personal wind turbine design, this particular turbine is good for both rural and urban settings. The fact that it is relatively quiet is no longer a bonus, but a must in this day and age.

This is something I’d like to see, a solar-wind hybrid turbine. Why simply harvest wind energy when you can harvest solar energy at the same time? It is also easy to clean and maintain. Sounds like something we should see a lot of, don’t you agree?

Here is another extremely innovative wind collection system in that it not only collects wind energy and solar energy, but hydro energy as well. A trifecta if you will. Designed by JMDesign, the Skydrain is “an energy collection product that is focused on providing clean renewable energy to the existing sprawl condition and other urban sites“.

Image from JMDesign

The ideas and designs shown here go to show that the ability to come up with innovative collection methods for wind energy has gone far beyond the traditional turbine. The options are limitless. As the world leans more and more towards alternative energy sources, wind energy can and more than likely will, play a key role in our future.

Image by Carrie / Creative Commons

The holidays are here and if your life is anything like mine, you’re pretty busy right about now. I still have gifts to buy, presents to wrap, packages and cards to send, e-cards to put together and send out, and a whole slew of activities, parties and events to attend. Between all the hustle and bustle though, I wanted to share a few simple and eco-friendly ways to brighten your holiday mood.

1) Open those windows. Whether or not it’s cold where you live, opening your windows will help bring in some fresh air and get rid of the stale indoor air pollution lingering inside your home. If you are worried about getting cold, bundle up for a little bit while you air things out. The fresh, clean air will do wonders to help brighten your day and your overall mood.

Image by Miguel Virkkunen / Creative Commons

2) Get outdoors every day. Why? Because fresh air is good for your energy. Letting the fresh air into your home is a smart idea, but spending some time outdoors is even smarter. Go for a walk, a run, or perhaps a bike ride. Take the kids to play in the park. Even stepping outside to enjoy the day will help brighten your mood and give you a little burst of energy.

3) Indulge in a few foods that will help lift your spirits and brighten your mood. Walnuts, chocolate (fair trade chocolate, of course), and blueberries are just some of the foods you can eat during the holidays to help brighten your mood.

Image by Jessica Spengler / Creative Commons

4) Speaking of foods…eat natural. Stay away from foods which contain a lot of sugar and opt for more natural foods like fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. This will help level out your sugar levels and prevent you from riding the sugar-induced roller coaster. Just a quick stop at your local Farmers’ Market and you’ll be set.

5) Give to someone in need. Whether you volunteer at your local food bank, homeless shelter, animal shelter or any other organization which helps those in need, you will find that helping others is a terrific way to brighten your mood. Even helping out a friend in need, or doing some random act of kindness, can put a smile on both their face and yours.

Image by Jemingway / Creative Commons

6) I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again. Smile. Even if you are feeling a little down, brighten your holiday mood with a smile. Studies have shown that smiling helps activate happiness. Start smiling and before you know it, you’ll be feeling as happy as the smile on your face!

“The world always looks brighter from behind a smile” – Unknown Author

I hope you found these eco-friendly ideas useful and that you too can add them to your daily schedule in order to help brighten your holiday mood. Remember, sometimes it is the little things that can make the most difference. Here’s to a happy and eco-friendly holiday season!

Image by Fredo / Creative Commons

When you hear someone talking about climate change, what is the first thing you think? Most people immediately think about global warming and the environmental controversy about who is to blame for this so-called “global warming”.

Climate change, however, is believed to come from two main sources. There is a cycle the planet goes through which is altered by natural occurrences such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, changes in the Earth’s orbit, solar events, the ocean’s current, and more. Then there are the actions we take which contribute to climate change and alter the greenhouse gas effect here on Earth. Every time you use the energy provided by the local utility company, fill up at the gas station, heat your home, or any number of other activities which produce carbon dioxide, you are contributing to the greenhouse gas effect.

The question then becomes, what can we do to combat climate change? Well, there are many steps which can be taken, but in this post I thought it would be good to highlight a number of alternative energies which could help us combat our contribution to climate change.

1) Solar Energy: The sun continues to provide us with a natural form of energy day after day. The problem becomes in the capture and processing of this resource. Currently only about 1% of the electricity in the U.S. is powered by solar.

Image by David Trebosc / Creative Commons

2) Wind Energy: The wind is another natural and renewable resource we can tap into. This study was done to look into the stability of wind energy in the face of global warming.

Image by Chuck Coker / Creative Commons

3) Tidal Energy: Tidal energy is another alternative energy which has the potential for becoming a major player in the renewable energy arena. Why? Because the tides will keep coming in and going out. Recently Scotland made a major move to boost subsidies in favor of tidal-power.

Image by Horizon2035 / Creative Commons

4) Wave Power: Like tidal power, wave power is another source of alternative energy which more governments and countries are investing in, in order to meet their renewable energy goals. In fact, the UK is determined to be the ‘Rolls Royce’ of marine energy (wave/tidal).

5) Plastic Conversion: Per reports, existing technologies could be used to convert all the non-recyclable plastics, that are tossed into U.S. landfills each year, into energy. Those plastics alone could power over 5 million homes a year. Just think what could be done with all the other waste.

Image by Mackenzie / Creative Commons

6) Energy Cane: It seems sugar cane is now front and center, ahead of corn, when it comes to crops which could be grown for energy purposes. The idea is that the sugar cane could be used for biofuel and the fibrous waste could be turned into alternative energy.

Image by Carolyn / Creative Commons

Now, let’s face facts here. Even if a person invests in a variety of alternative energies to power their home, vehicle, working environment and other activities in their life, they are still in some way or form contributing to climate change. This is because there are a variety of factors which cause man-made climate change. Additionally, regardless of our efforts, the Earth’s natural cycle will continue to happen.

Our contributions to climate change, however, can be lessened and we can take steps to help lower CO2 emissions below that critical level of 350 ppm. In my opinion, it’s all about deciding how you want to live and how you want your children, and their children to live. What are your views on the subject?

Image by Stefano Paltera, U.S. Dept of Energy / Creative Commons

Happy Monday! This week I decided to start off the week with a solar edition of my weekly greens. There has been so much, good and not so good, news about the solar industry recently that I figured it might be good to gather a few of the solar articles that crossed my plate this week and share them with you.

Here is this week’s solar edition of the weekly greens:

Solar, the Emerging Power: You’re probably quite familiar with the solar industry by now, even if simply due to the Solyndra scandal. However, there is one thing to keep in mind, regardless of what happened with Solyndra, the solar industry continues to move ahead. Who knows, at the rate it’s expanding, we may see solar stepping in as a major player in the not too distant future.

Solar Power in California: California continues to tap into the power of solar, making it one of the most popular renewable resources in the state. But what do you think is behind all the interest in solar power? Why are people all of a sudden turning to solar?

Solar Roadways (the company) to Build Solar Panel Parking Lot: It looks like Solar Roadways has received a grant by the Federal Highway Administration to build a solar panel parking lot in Idaho. It is a pretty innovative idea when you think about it. Plus, if all goes well, we could be seeing solar sidewalks, streets, and highways generating energy day in and day out.

Producing flexible CIGS solar cells with record efficiency:Solar panel and solar cell design continues to advance. One of the latest advancements is a flexible solar cell which yields a 18.7% record efficiency. Lightweight, flexible solar cells have a huge potential and could allow solar to be used in areas previously thought impossible.

University of Maryland wins Solar Decathlon for house design: Speaking of innovation, the University of Maryland managed to win 1st place in the U.S. DOE’s 2011 Solar Decathlon. Their winning design incorporated a number of sustainable features, including a green roof, rainwater collection, an indoor waterfall, and solar panels which will provide year-round power to the home. And better yet, their design is something that could be used in building homes starting…now.

Now is Not the Time to Back Down from Solar Innovation: Needless to say, it is not time to back down from solar innovation. With technologies advancing and maturing, now is the time to promote high-quality production and reward improved performance standards. The need for clean energy is not going to go away. We need to tap into the all the benefits of solar energy, in addition to the other forms of renewable energy.

Chu: Solyndra’s collapse doesn’t dent solar investment case: Energy Secretary Steven Chu made it clear that despite the bankruptcy of Solyndra, there is still a need for federal investment and support of clean, green energy.

As Secretary Chu stated:

“It’s not enough for our country to invent clean energy technologies – we have to make them and use them, too.”

The time to tap into solar, and other renewable energy resources, is now. If we can ween ourselves away from our current sources of energy in favor of more sustainable energy sources, we will go a long way. Solar plays an important role in the future of worldwide energy, don’t you agree?

Image by Lida Rose / Creative Commons

Believe it or not, autumn is here and the year is almost 3/4 of the way over. With school back in, work piling up and holidays looming on the horizon, it may be hard to keep up on the latest news. Even some of the most interesting green viewpoints and articles may be missed completely in favor of other news or work.

So, in honor of Autumn showing its face, let’s get right into this week’s weekly greens:

1) Going green and getting EVERYwhere: Every green step you take makes a difference. Whether it makes a difference in your own life, in the life of your family, your friends, your neighbors or the world around you, each step makes a difference. It is the combined efforts of everyone which will bring about a broad change.

2) Plan B: A Roadmap for Stabilizing the Climate: Plan B is a movement set out to stabilize both population and climate. It is geared towards cutting carbon dioxide emissions, stabilizing population, eradicating poverty, and restoring the Earth’s natural systems.

3) Moving Planet: In case you missed it, Moving Planet was yesterday. Organized as a worldwide day to move beyond fossil fuels, there were over 2000 events in 175 different countries. Take a look at the photos, videos and demands for the future of the planet and its people. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to keep things moving forward.

4) How Biomimicry Drives Sustainability: From Fish-Inspired Wind Turbines to the Future of 3-D Printing (Video): The numbers of inventions and innovations that have been inspired by nature may astound you. But why not use nature as a guide? If you are looking for sustainable ideas, you don’t need to look far. Here are 15 of the coolest cases of biomimicry.

5) Worldwide Car Free Day was September 22nd: Did you participate? If not, have you ever considered getting out of your car and opting for a different, hopefully more environmentally-friendly mode of transportation? Even if you decide to opt for public transportation, ride your bike or even walk 1 to 2 days a week, it can make a difference.

6) Autumn is leaf-raking season!: Even though we know this time of year is the time when the leaves change colors and litter the ground as far as the eye can see, times are changing. Raking isn’t the chore it once was. Leaves can provide a lot of nourishment to your garden and should be USED in all their natural beauty.

7) Canadian Study Shows Geothermal Potential at One Million Times Current Energy Demand: Think about it…one million times the current energy demand. That’s a lot of energy. Even if only 40 percent can currently be extracted, don’t you think it’s worth further research and investment?

Well, there you have it. Although it’s just a drop in the environmental bucket for the week, if you’re looking for more green and eco-friendly news, you can follow me on Twitter. Until then, have a wonderful, biofriendly day and week ahead.

Well, it’s official. Summer is here! And let me tell you, the summer weather did not delay its arrival at all. With temperatures close to 100 degrees, we are feeling the summer heat. So, now that schools are out and families are getting ready for summer activities, I thought it would be a good time to go over some smart tips to help you have a biofriendly summer.

Image by Laure Wayaffe

It doesn’t matter if you are planning to travel this summer or simply stay close to home, there is something in here for everyone:

1 – Plant a summer garden: Now is the perfect time to plant some fresh fruits and vegetables. What tastes better on a hot day than a fresh salad and some cold, sliced fruit? (Well, okay ice cream tastes pretty good in hot weather, but that’s not the point.) By planting your own garden, you are giving yourself access to a summer filled with fresh, organic foods. Here are 111 Herbs, Vegetables, Edible Flowers & Fruit to Plant in Your Kitchen Garden (or yard).

2 – Get outside and take in some fresh air: One of the simplest ways to have a great summer is to get outside and enjoy it. Get yourself a little natural Vitamin D and Get a Breath of Fresh Air. I remember as a kid I couldn’t wait for summer to spend time at the beach, go camping, go rafting, go hiking, etc. The time I spent outdoors was always filled with fun, adventure, sun and fresh air.

Image by Sebastian Fritzon

3 – Remember to protect your skin: Speaking of sun, before you get outdoors, remember to protect your skin. But don’t use a lot of toxic chemicals and sprays to do so. A hat, sunglasses, a light shirt with long sleeves can go a long way to protecting your skin from the sun. If you’d rather opt for a sunscreen, be sure to check out The Best Sunscreens For 2011 first.

4 – Green up your camping trip: Summer months are a great time to go camping. The weather is nice, it gives you a chance to get up close and personal with nature and if you’re smart, a chance to unplug for a couple of days. (Something we all need to do now and again.) So, for those you who love to go camping, here are some tips that can help in Planning a Green Camping Trip.

Image by ebrkut

5 – Keep yourself hydrated: During the summer months we sometimes forget how much water our bodies really need. As you enjoy the great outdoors this summer, be smart. Don’t waste your money on plastic water bottles. The easiest way is to make a reusable water bottle. Fill it up before you go and then refill at any sink or drinking fountain you happen to encounter.

6 – Remember to keep your pets hydrated. It’s not only key to ensure you stay hydrated, but you need to care for your pets as well. Houses, yards, patios, dog runs, etc. can all get very hot during the summer months. Therefore it is key to ensure your pets have a place where they can stay cool and have access to fresh, clean water. Here are a few more Hot Weather Tips for your pets.

Image by hurthere

7 – Cut down on energy, take advantage of the nice weather: During the summer months, one easy way to lower your energy usage is to open some windows and doors. Let the fresh air blow through to clean out your place. Open the blinds to let in natural light rather than using electricity. Program your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees F when you are there and 85 degrees F when you plan to be away. At night, cool your house down by opening those windows up again.

By following any or all of those smart tips you’ll be on your way. Don’t forget to check out these 50 Ways to Make Your Life More Environmentally-Friendly as well. I hope each of you has a safe, happy and biofriendly summer!