Heat wave!

Turning on the air conditioner, then retreating to your own private Inuvik might seem like the thing to do, but Canada’s hyper-consumption of energy is one of the reasons the summers are getting hotter. To reduce your impact on the climate, while trying to beat the heat, try a swim in a public pool or beach. Even if a clean beach isn’t available, just walking along the sand and enjoying the breeze can be a sweet relief. Or try a walk to the park, to have a quiet moment beneath a shady tree. For those restless, muggy nights, try placing a pot of water full of ice cubes between yourself and a fan. That will help keep you cool, without using nearly as much power as an air conditioner. If that doesn’t do the trick, a cold shower before bed will help you hit the hay gently.

I used to live in a room on the third floor of a brick house with a southern exposure. My walls were so hot, I was like a piece of toast. But with a fan, a cold shower, and an open window, I actually grew to enjoy my brick toaster.

Sometimes summer sticks around too long, but if we stick to our old habits of overdosing on AC, the sweaty season will only get longer and longer.

by Maggie MacDonald