The Environmental Protection Agency's summertime tips include checking its beaches sub-site for beach closures and environmental advisories.
June 20 marks the official start of summer, and with the change of seasons comes a new round of summer activities.
Between cross country travel, heading out into the sun and seasonal cleaning, summer is time for fun and new beginnings, but it also takes a heavy environmental toll. At a time when the entire country is seeing the affects of climate change, increasing summertime environmental education is crucial for the Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA recently released a list of 15 hot summer tips to keep cool and have fun during the summer months, including advice on how to increase your gas mileage on those road trips and incentives to start composting.
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The EPA also puts an emphasis on utilizing Energy Star devices. Replacing old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star approved devices can save money and energy in the long run, especially during the hot summer months when appliances take more energy to run, the EPA suggests. Paired with the Department of Energy’s new 2013-2014 guidelines for washer and dishwasher standards, Energy Star appliances are a worthwhile investment, the EPA says. The agency also puts an emphasis on staying at hotels and resorts that tout using Energy Star and energy efficient appliances.
“On average, America’s 47,000 hotels spend more than $2,000 per available room each year on energy,” the EPA says in a press release. “Look for an Energy Star certified hotel. They perform in the top 25 percent of hotels nationwide, use an average of 35 percent less energy and emit an average of 35 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than peers.”
For the full list of the EPA’s 15 summertime tips plus more advice, visit the EPA’s website.
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