From Guest Blogger Izzie: How to Save Energy on Summer Nights

Whenever summer does arrive, everyone seems to do there best to make the most of it. However fleeting the nice weather might be, most people waste no time in wheeling out the BBQ’s and the sun loungers.

But just because it’s time for some recreational activities outside, it doesn’t mean you have to stop being environment conscious. Opportunities to be eco-friendly are abundant in today’s society, and that includes during the summer.

Lets look at a specific example. Let’s say you and your partner are enjoying a romantic summer’s evening out under the stars in your back garden. How can you save energy in this situation without compromising anything? Here are a few tips.
Lights

First off, although it seems like some days in June, July or August may go on forever, it will eventually start to go dark. If you don’t want to return to the inside at this point, though, there are plenty of alternatives

Chief among which are solar powered LED bulbs. Easily the most energy efficient bulbs to begin with, LED bulbs are easily transformed into solar powered units. You could scatter them around your garden permanently, or have one tucked away in the garage for such an occasion. To find out more about energy efficient light bulbs, see this guide.
Eco-Battery

For some people, it will be very easy to run some electrical items from their mains whilst out in the garden. But say there is some space between you and the power. Or what if you aren’t at home? Well, there is a solution for that.

Solar powered generators can be used to power some of the items you may want accompanying you on these nights out. Be it energy efficient coolers for your drinks, or an eco-friendly electric fireplace (which are far more efficient than gas or solid fuel fireplaces) should the temperature start to dip. It may not last forever, but you can certainly sit and stargaze for a few hours without using up electricity from the mains.
Radio

Should you want some entertainment whilst you sit out all night, don’t worry – you aren’t relegated to just books or crossword puzzles! As the world becomes more eco-friendly, more and more electronic gadgets are being replaced with “green” alternatives.

The best examples we could find were solar powered radios. Sit this little device alongside you, and you can listen to it perpetually as the sun shines. Most also come with a wind-up handle, so even if the sun goes down, it can carry on going.

There are of course other ways to be kind to the environment in this situation. If you really want to go whole hog, make sure the garden furniture you purchase is made from sustainable sources. The possibilities are endless!