Summer is full of sunshine, travel, and indulgence, but it can also be a season when our environmental impact increases. We cool our homes, update our wardrobes, and plan getaways, and it’s easy to forget how these habits affect the planet. The good news? Summer also offers plenty of opportunities to lower your carbon footprint in simple ways. With just a few intentional changes, you can soak up the season while making more sustainable choices.
1. Make Energy-Efficient Cooling Choices
It’s tempting to crank the air conditioning when temperatures rise, but this will spike your utility bill and your carbon emissions.
Instead, stay cooler naturally by investing in breathable clothing and bed linens like organic cotton and linen. Use ceiling fans, keep curtains drawn during the hottest part of the day, and maintain your heating and cooling system so it runs efficiently. Even small changes, like adjusting your thermostat a few degrees, can lower your carbon footprint.
2. Choose Sustainable Travel Accessories and Destinations
If summer travel is on your calendar, there are many ways to lower your carbon footprint without sacrificing your comfort or style.
Start by selecting eco-conscious luxury hotels or resorts that prioritise sustainability through practices like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing. When possible, take more eco-friendly travel routes, such as booking direct flights to reduce emissions or choosing ground transportation (such as a car service, train, or shuttle) for short distances instead of a flight.
As you pack, consider luggage and accessories made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Reusable toiletry containers and a curated travel wardrobe of high-quality, natural fibre garments help keep your suitcase light and minimise emissions.
3. Shop Less, Choose Better
Seasonal sales are tempting, but overconsumption has a direct environmental cost. This summer, choose to buy less but better quality.
Curate a capsule wardrobe built around high-quality, natural fabrics like linen, organic cotton, and silk. These breathable materials are not only ideal for warm weather but are also more sustainable.
Support luxury brands that are transparent about their ethics and environmental practices, and consider shopping vintage or consignment for designer pieces that make a statement while helping to lower your carbon footprint. Seek out timeless, well-crafted items you’ll wear for years to come.
And before purchasing something new, take inventory of your wardrobe. You may already own something that fits the bill.
Thoughtful choices like these help refine your style and reduce your environmental impact.
5. Make Everyday Summer Moments More Sustainable
Small habits can make a big difference, especially in the summer months.
Whether you're planning a beach day, dining al fresco, or hosting friends, choose reusables over disposables whenever possible. When entertaining, use elegant reusable tableware, or compostable alternatives when convenience is a priority.
Bring a reusable water bottle, cutlery set, and tote bag to avoid single-use plastics while out and about. At the market, select seasonal, locally grown produce to reduce transport emissions and support nearby farms.
And when it comes to personal care, look for refillable or low-waste products. These simple shifts don’t sacrifice luxury; they keep style at the forefront while helping you lower your carbon footprint.
5. Air Dry Whenever Possible
Clothes dryers are one of the biggest energy users in a household.
Instead of defaulting to the dryer, consider air drying garments on a rack, especially delicate items or natural fibres like silk, wool, or cotton. It helps preserve the quality of your clothing and significantly reduces your energy use.
6. Choose Better Storage Solutions
Caring for your clothing properly is not only a smart investment, it’s an eco-friendly choice.
Storing seasonal items in breathable, organic cotton garment bags helps extend the life of your clothing. At Hayden Hill, our bags are designed with both beauty and sustainability in mind, helping you care for your clothes and lower your carbon footprint.
Sustainable living isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Every thoughtful choice you make, from what you buy to how you store it, adds up. By making small shifts in your summer habits, you can preserve your favourite pieces, lower your carbon footprint, and enjoy the season.
