The ground may be covered in snow, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about being green. Weather reports show another colder-than-normal winter in North America, which means you’ll want to stay toasty inside. Turning up the heat too much though can have negative impacts on the environment. Save the planet while saving money in your household with these environmentally friendly ways to keep warm.
DRESS THE PART
Did you know that your body is made to heat itself naturally and can adapt to colder temperatures? Dressing in layers of clothing will actually keep you warmer for longer than staying in a heated environment. Over time, you’ll be able to pull layers off and you may even be able to turn the thermostat down a few notches.
TIPS & TRICKS:
– Wearing layers of thinner clothes will keep you warmer than wearing one big, bulky sweater
– Jeans aren’t great at keeping heat in, but they’re loose enough that a pair of tights or long johns fit perfectly underneath.
– Hats work indoors, too! They’re especially useful for staying warm, because most of your body heat escapes from your head.
WORK IT OUT
We all know that working out will get your body warm, but studies show that even 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can keep your body heated for a longer period of time. Plus, working out gets the blood in your body moving, so your fingers and toes will also get a bit of heat.
QUICK & EASY:
– Jumping Jacks
– Extreme snowball fights
– Dancing
– Over-the-top charades
BAKE SOMETHING
Yes, this option does use energy, but between preheating, baking and cooling down, your oven will probably provide more heat than your heater. The heat will also stick around longer after you’ve turned the oven off. Plus, you’ll end up with a tasty treat after! Just make sure you have an adult helping you out in the kitchen.
SIMPLE & DELICIOUS:
– Peanut butter cookies: 1 cup peanut butter + ½ cup sugar + 1 egg
– Sugar cookies: 1 cup melted butter + 1 cup sugar + 1¾ cups flour + 1 tsp. vanilla extract
– Praline cookies: Graham crackers + 1 cup butter + 1 cup light brown sugar + 1 cup chopped pecans
– Gingerbread Men: Flip back to p. 12 for the recipe!
SKYE SAYS: Heating your house requires energy, which usually means you’re burning fossil fuels. When these fuels are burned, they release greenhouse gases, which can create a layer above the clouds and prevent other gases and sunrays from leaving the earth. All of these factors heat up the planet, adding to global warming.