This summer has been a scorcher so far, and it’s likely to stay warm well into autumn this year! For those who prefer the heat, it may seem like a blessing, but the weather this time of year is a great indication of how climate change will impact Pennsylvania in the long run; heatwaves, intense storms, and periods of drought may be the new normal if we let climate change go unchecked.
Luckily, people are putting incredible work into fighting climate change, but complex issues on a global scale can take a long time to solve. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to identify solutions that can have an immediate impact on the health of ourselves and our communities. In this edition of “What’s Up, Watershed?” I’ll review three easy ways to stay cool sustainably in our “summer” months, even when they last a little longer than we’d like.
CARRY A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to stay cool when it’s hot out since we need water and electrolytes for our bodies to naturally regulate temperature. A single-use plastic water bottle is convenient in a pinch, but a reusable bottle is better for you and the environment!
The problem with single-use bottles is that they negatively impact the environment at every step of their lifecycles. Producing plastic for these bottles requires processing petroleum, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Billons of plastic bottles are purchased in the United States every year, and most of them end up either in an incinerator or the ocean — polluting our air and water. Even before we discard them, single use plastic bottles can leach microplastics, which are linked to increased rates of cancer and hormone disruption.
Reusable water bottles are designed with better materials — the best options are made from recyclable, plastic-free materials such as metal or glass, but even some plastic reusable bottles are made from recycled, BPA-free materials. The most important thing is that reusable water bottles can be used thousands of times, which means we don’t need to waste natural resources and energy replacing them. You can also take an extra step towards reducing waste by finding reusable water bottles in your local second-hand store.
WEAR NATURAL FABRICS
Wearing lightweight and breathable clothes made from plant-based fabrics, such as cotton or linen, is a tried-and-true method of staying cool in warm climates. The weave of these fabrics and the loose-fit style of most cotton/linen garments allows body heat to escape easily, while still protecting your skin from the sun. When it comes to staying cool, these fabrics are much better than polyester or acrylic, which trap heat near the body.
Plant-based fabrics are also more sustainable when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions and biodegradability. Polyester, acrylic, nylon, and spandex are all plastic based fabrics, which means, like plastic bottles, they are made from fossil fuels and take hundreds of years to break down. These materials also shed microplastics and forever chemicals like PFAs when we put them through the wash, further impacting our bodies and the health of our ecosystem. While cotton is a water-intensive crop, it has less of an impact on our air quality and can decompose naturally at the end of the product’s lifecycle. Linen is even better, as it is more breathable and requires much less water. The crop it comes from (flax) only requires around 300 gallons of water per pound of fiber (2,500L/Kg), whereas cotton can require up to 2,000 gallons per pound.
Like a reusable bottle, you can take an extra step towards reducing textile waste by sourcing your cotton and linen clothes from a second-hand store. And, if you find items that will keep you cool but aren’t quite your style, you can try your hand at upcycling by dyeing, cropping, or adding embellishments until you have a unique piece. By using these methods, you can stay cool and save clothes that would otherwise go to waste!
PLANT A STREET TREE
If it seems like this blog is always talking about trees, it’s because they really do provide countless benefits! In addition to providing habitat and absorbing thousands of gallons of stormwater a year, mature trees provide shade with their canopy. The shade from a street tree is especially important in developed areas — concrete, asphalt, and dark roof shingles absorb heat and radiate it back out. This causes the urban heat island effect, where areas with little greenspace can feel up to seven degrees hotter than the actual temperature, a huge impact when it’s already 90°F.
The easiest solution is adding more greenspace to the area, such as trees that will mature quickly. The shade of a mature tree can drop the temperature of the street below it by up to 20°F, providing relief without hiking up the energy bill. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and many other municipalities across Pennsylvania offer programs where residents can request a free street tree to help cool down their block. If the idea of taking care of a tree feels daunting, don’t be discouraged. The programs mentioned above have trained tenders available to plant, inspect, and service your tree. Want to learn more about caring for your community tree canopy? Check out these resources to get started on your journey to becoming a tree tender.
That’s all for this edition of “What’s Up, Watershed?” I hope these tips help you beat the heat until the weather cools down this fall!
Photos shown (top to bottom): Tree Lined Philadelphia Street, Plastic trash (Photo by Emillian Vicol); Linseed Flax (Linen); Tree Lined Philadelphia Street,
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“WHAT’S UP, WATERSHED” BLOG SERIES
CLICK HERE to read Mid-Year Policy Review
CLICK HERE to read Summertime Citizen Science
CLICK HERE to read Rachel Carson: Earth Day Hometown Hero
CLICK HERE to read Three Ways to Reduce Kitchen Waste
CLICK HERE to read Winter Wildlife: Secrets to Skipping the Winter Season
Meet PRC Environmental Program Coordinator Ryan Rabenold
Ryan’s work is centered around environmental education and creating equitable access to green stormwater infrastructure resources. They have a background in watershed conservation, as well as community engagement and grassroot activism. In their free time, Ryan enjoys kayaking and hiking, writing short fiction, and exploring international cuisine.
