This summer I vowed to get creative in order to minimize my daily energy waste and when it came to my air conditioning needs, I got down and dirty!  Ah, to do without the constant flow of cool air when the temperature gets above 85 degrees (with high humidity)…especially when visualizing all the a/c units in neighboring homes.  Yes, I wanted to take the leap and make a difference even if it hit me outside my comfort zone. 
Over the winter I began to use less and less heat and now I’ve severely reduced my a/c consumption. And you know what?  It isn't as hard as you might think especially since I’m the proud owner of an original 1950's attic fan that’s humming away this moment as I type!  I have lived in my home since 1997 and before now rarely used this enormous fan which was installed out of necessity by the original owner.  Funny while today we are making great strides in technology, it’s refreshing to remember where we once were and take a step back toward simplicity. I did turn the a/c unit on for a party I had and on five of the most awful dog days of summer, but generally, the attic fan has cooled us quite sufficiently on the hot days. The benefits not only have a positive effect on the environment, but my checkbook is happy and my health this summer was free and clear of summer colds and sinus infections because my lungs were not being dried out from the cool air flowing over me while I sleep.
So I have succumbed to mindfully cooling myself off in the summer.  Until I move to a location where there are balmy breezes and low humidity all day long, I will utilize modern technology but with a mindful heart.  Little steps lead to enormous change!

If you’re inspired to make some changes in order to cool your home more efficiently, visit http://aceee.org/consumerguide/cooling.htm for some great tips from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.