Both/And

Can I just say that I think it is both harder and easier to be green in the summer?!

I can hang my clothes outside on the line to dry, but I am taking more showers due to being outside and sticky/dirty. Also? My hair is not nearly as fabulous post-baby and needs more washes. Boo.

I can keep more lights off inside since the sun shines brighter for longer, but I have all the fans going to try to circulate as much cool air as possible.

I can keep the doors and windows closed on the hottest days to keep the hot out and the cool in, but I’ll be darned if I’m turning off the AC!

My baby is cloth diapered, but we are going through batteries like crazy since he only sleeps in the swing during the day.

But!

Real food this time of year. Fresh, straight-from-the-ground greens and berries to be consumed with two hands. My backyard garden admittedly got planted late due to new babies but it is growing with the bright sun and drenching rains. The blackberry bushes should have been trimmed back months ago, but my inability to control them has led to an overabundance of berries which will in turn lead to blackberry pies and jams.

We have already gone strawberry picking and my jam is nigh unto boiling as I type. This week I found a super-simple recipe for bread that I can mix up without needing a bread machine or big fancy mixer. Finally, an easy way for me to make my own bread! Fresh strawberry jam on home made bread? Yes please!

Cherries are ready and I am planning on heading out to my CSA this week to pick a basket of snow peas and sugar-snaps.

I am feeling motivated to make my own clothes and gifts during nap-times when the house is quiet. I’m thinking about making a summer bunting to hang for our frequent bbqs.

We’re getting our bikes tuned up shortly and will be biking to the grocery store, the beach, the park and our new favorite breakfast joint.

Summer is a both/and type of season for me. I can be greener on many fronts, but also succumb to less-green activities as well. Mostly my AC need. My bedroom is on the third floor, people! Cut me a break?

What green habits do you pick up in the summer? Where have you fallen behind?

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An original 5 Minutes for Going Green post. Anne lives, works and grows her garden in Western Michigan. For the past five years, she has been working as the children’s music director for a local church and loves to sing, dance and teach kids how to worship God through music. What’s better than praising God while getting a workout each week? Sewing is both her hobby and a handy way to give green gifts to her friends. She’s been trying to cook more healthfully for herself and her family and loves finding new ways every day to live a greener, more economical lifestyle. Her blog A Little Bit Crazy is 2 parts “mommy” and 1 part everything else under the sun.