Summer in Australia can be brutal – scorching days, sticky nights and the kind of heat that makes you want to live inside your fridge. And if these last days of spring are anything to go by, we’re in for it this year! But staying cool doesn’t have to mean cranking the air-con and cranking up your electricity bill. With a few simple, sustainable habits, you can keep yourself comfortable and be kind to the planet at the same time.

Here are some easy ways to chill out – naturally, affordably, and sustainably.

🌿 1. Embrace the Power of Shade

Before reaching for the fan, take advantage of what nature gives us for free: shade. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Use outdoor umbrellas or shade cloth to keep direct sun off windows. Even a simple leafy plant near a hot window can help cool the room.

💧 2. Stay Hydrated (and Make It Enjoyable!)

Your body handles heat better when it’s hydrated. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and refill it often. Add lemon, mint, cucumber or berries for a refreshing twist. Bonus: cold water cools you from the inside out.

🍃 3. Use Fans Wisely

Fans use a fraction of the energy of air conditioning. Place them near windows in the morning or evening to pull cooler air inside. For an extra boost, put a bowl of ice in front of the fan for an old-fashioned “air-con hack.”

🧊 4. Freeze Smart

Make reusable ice packs and keep them in the freezer. Use them on your neck, wrists or behind your knees to cool down quickly. Freeze your bedsheets or place your pillowcase in the fridge before bedtime for an extra-cool sleep (yes, it sounds strange – but it works!).

🌬️ 5. Dress Light and Natural

Choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. They help your skin breathe and keep your body temperature down. Loose clothing = a happier you.

🌱 6. Cool Down Your Home Naturally

Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances – anything that draws power also creates heat. Swap out heat-producing halogens for LED bulbs. At night, open windows to let the cool air in, and create cross-breezes by opening opposite sides of the house.

🍉 7. Eat Fresh & Light

Summer is the perfect time for salads, fruit, chilled pasta, smoothies and wraps. Lighter meals help your body regulate heat more easily – and they’re cheaper and faster to prepare. No need to turn on the oven!

💚 8. Add a Touch of Greenery

Indoor plants don’t just look great, they help cool the air and improve humidity. Outdoors, plant trees or shrubs to naturally shade your home over time. It’s an investment in cooler summers for years to come.

🌊 9. Take Advantage of Water

A quick cool shower, a dip at the beach or a splash in a kiddie pool can bring instant relief. Even soaking your feet in cool water makes a surprising difference on a hot day.

🔌 10. Save the Air-Con for When You Really Need It

We all love the sweet blast of cold air on a 34-degree day, but using air-con sparingly makes a huge difference for your budget and the environment. If you do turn it on, set it to 24°C and close off unused rooms to maximise efficiency.

Staying Cool Can Be Simple – and Sustainable

A cooler summer doesn’t require high energy bills or a big environmental footprint. With a few thoughtful tweaks – choosing shade, staying hydrated, using fans smartly and embracing natural cooling – you can keep comfortable while caring for the planet.

Here’s to a summer that’s breezy, refreshing and earth-friendly. Stay cool! 🌿💧☀️