Will Summer 2025 Be Hot? 4 Cool Ideas to Beat the Heat (and Stay Conscious)

As temperatures rise across the globe, staying cool doesn't always have to mean turning up the AC. Discover smart, conscious ways to handle the heat, without heating the planet.

By the end of June, a boiling 37° heatwave burned up New York City, just as Spike Lee predicted in his iconic film “Do the Right Thing.” But this time, many cities across Europe played their part in the backdrop – as July rolled in, intense heat between 30°C and 47°C swept across the old continent, from London to Madrid.

And while turning on the AC, splashing through fire hydrants like in Spike’s movie, or jumping in your car to escape to the nearest beach (if you’re lucky) might offer quick relief, these fixes aren’t always gentle on the planet. They may be fueling the very thing that’s turning up the heat: climate change.

So, instead of adding to the problem, here are 4 smart ways to stay cool and conscious.

1. Dress to Chill: Choose Breathable, Mindful Clothes

What you wear matters more than you think, both for comfort and the climate.

Researchers have found that simply choosing the right fabrics and fits can allow us to raise the thermostat a few degrees without feeling any warmer, meaning using less AC and saving energy.

While white is often praised for reflecting sunlight, it turns out that fit matters more than color. Loose, flowing garments help air circulate around the body, creating a natural cooling effect. Desert Bedouins have long worn black robes because their loose shape lets air flow, helping to keep them comfortable. [1]

Woman wearing loose white t-shirt to cool off.

And when it comes to materials, you can choose natural fibers like linen and organic cotton, or conscious innovations like ECONYL® regenerated nylon. For a loose and mindful fit, try the Cayton Core Performance T-Shirt - To Wonder by GoofyPRO.

2. Cool Your Plate: Best Foods and Drinks for Hot Weather

Food, too, can be part of the equation.

When it’s hot, our bodies slow down digestion and reduce hunger to focus on keeping us at the right temperature. Fruits and veggies with lots of water help us stay hydrated and cool from the inside. Choosing them can also help you switch to healthier eating habits and reduce consumption of meats, which have a greater impact on global warming.

What we drink is also extremely important. Alcohol and caffeine, both diuretics, can leave us more dehydrated than refreshed. Replacing them with fresh juices or infused waters is a simple shift that can have a big impact. [2]

3. Take the Road Less Posted: Conscious Travel Ideas

Travel is another area where a little creativity can go a long way. Instead of fueling overtourism by following the same Instagram-recommended hotspots, why not try something new?

Don’t follow the reels, follow your dreams (or the cool breeze). Head for higher ground: a quiet mountain village, a lake tucked away from the usual routes, or even just a shaded forest hike not far from home. To get there, choose more mindful transport options like trains or buses, and stay at conscious hotels, which are easier to find than ever with just a quick Google search.

And if leaving the city isn’t an option, you can always go for a cool staycation. Riverbanks, shaded parks, and urban gardens are the small oases that often get overlooked. With a bit of planning, they can be just as restorative as a far-off escape, minus the footprint.

4. Rethink Home Cooling: Conscious Alternatives to AC

Heat doesn’t just affect your body: it messes with your mind, too.

Studies show high temperatures can slow your focus, memory, and even mood. No wonder tempers run hot during heatwaves – your brain is working extra hard just to keep things in balance. [3]

We won’t deny it, air conditioners are definitely helpful to cool our brains off, but they consume 10% of global electricity. [4] So, it’s important to explore alternatives. Heat pumps, for example, can cool and heat your home using renewable energy.

This summer, let’s remember to truly “Do the Right Thing” – for the planet, and our future.

A Sneak Peek at our Next Article
Did you know that the way you decorate your home can boost your mood and well-being (yes, even during a heatwave)? Stay tuned for our next article to find out how.

[1] “What is the best clothing to keep you cool,” BBC, available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230802-what-is-the-best-clothing-to-keep-you-cool
[2] “Discover the best foods to beat the heat wave,” The University of Alabama at Birmingham, available at: https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/discover-the-best-foods-to-beat-the-heat-wave
[3] “7 tips for managing extreme heat,” The New York Times, available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/well/extreme-heat-tips.html
[4] “How to make air conditioning less of an environmental nightmare”, The Guardian, available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/03/air-conditioning-climate-crisis-clean-tech-solutions

From ECONYL® Blog