Your Ultimate Guide To A Stylish, Tech Smart, And Sustainable Summer

Summer Fashion in organic fashion brand Reistor
Reistor Contributed Photo
Summer will officially kick off on June 20 and whether you are ready or not, it will be here for 93 glorious days. For many of us, summer is a time to unwind, enjoy warm weather, eat well, bask in good company, and maybe even get lost in a new city or beach town. The question is how do we elevate that experience without leaving a trail of plastic, fast fashion, and emissions behind?
This article will show you how to keep your summer fun and fresh while staying kind to the planet. From what you wear to how you cool off and stay connected, here are the top eco-essential swaps you can make this season:
Hemp Short Dress with Back Embroidered Lace Detail
Reistor
The fashion industry contributes to roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and is responsible for 20% of global wastewater, according to Earth.Org. Coupled with that, fast fashion's allure often fades with the season, but its impact lingers for decades. ethical fashion options that prioritize the planet and people. For this summer opt for natural fibers like linen, hemp, and organic cotton, which are more breathable and less taxing on the environment than synthetics like polyester which sheds microplastics when washed.
Before buying anything new, start by shopping your own closet. You might be surprised by what you already have that can be reimagined, restyled, or repaired. If you still need something fresh, thrifting is the next best move as it extends the life of garments and keeps clothing out of landfills.
REISTOR is an India-based label which produces minimal, comfortable clothing using organic fabrics and AZO-free dyes, meaning their fabrics are colored without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals that can release carcinogenic amines when broken down, especially under sweat or UV exposure. These dyes are banned in several countries due to their potential health and environmental risks. REISTOR partners with organizations that support women's employment and empowerment. Their breathable cotton dresses and linen tops are perfect for staying stylish in the heat while reducing your environmental footprint. Additionally the Pact brand which creates everyday essentials from organic cotton with water-saving techniques. is another option with its Certified Fair Trade and Global Organic Textile Standard.
Cooling off with a desk fan
getty
As global temperatures rise, so do energy bills and carbon emissions from cooling systems. According to a 2024 Our World in Data report, air conditioning accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. There are alternative methods to beat the heat and keep cool without overloading the grid.
Invest in a good fan instead of blasting the AC or a personal favorite is using the AC on timer while the fan circulates the cool air. Next, you have to block out the heat by using thermal blackout curtains or bamboo shades to reduce indoor heat gain. Heat-blocking shades reduce indoor temperatures by limiting the amount of sunlight and heat that enters a room, easing the load on air conditioning systems. They also offer added benefits like UV protection, improved light control, and increased indoor comfort. Additionally, while you are outdoors, you can benefit from handheld fans, neck fans or even portable solar fans to keep cool. While outdoors, you can reach for a wide-brimmed hat made of raffia or organic cotton, and layer up with UPF-rated clothing for extra sun protection. For context, a UPF 50 garment blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, allowing only 1/50th to reach your skin.
Tech is an essential part of our lives and you do not have to ditch tech to live sustainably, you just have to choose wisely. When used correctly, tech can actually help reduce waste and energy. Here are a few gadgets that can help you in these 93 summer days and beyond.
Solar-powered gadgets are a smart way to enjoy your summer without relying on the grid. You have options to stream music through the Reveal Solar Speaker or charging your phone with solar charges like the the Anker 21W PowerPort. The beauty of it is that solar tech allows you to stay connected while reducing your carbon footprint.
Smart plugs and energy monitors, such as the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, help you manage your electricity usage by tracking and scheduling appliances. These actively reduce phantom power draw which is the energy consumed by electronics even when they are turned off.
Typically, residential energy use accounts for about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and any small tweaks in how we use tech can make a measurable difference.
Summer is what you make it, and this year, you can make it count for both your joy and the sustainability of the planet. Whether you are trying to put together a summer wardrobe, staying cool with low-impact habits, or choosing gadgets that give more than they take, your decision to choose sustainable brands matter. So as the sun rises on these 93 days, choose what lasts, what aligns, and what truly reflect a sustainable summer.

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