One eighteen in Portland. What?

 

I can't believe what I'm reading. One hundred eighteen degrees in Washington this week--in a state where summer means 85 degrees at the most?

Ever since I can remember, summer has been my favorite season. I was born in August and while every other season has it's moments, summer has always been perfect to me. The thought of tank tops, ice cream, walking on the beach, light skies until 9:30 at night and swimming lift my spirits like nothing else can.

But the idea of sweltering, unending humidity and heat? Not so much. Yet I read this morning it's supposed to be 118 degrees in Portland Oregon this week, while Seattle temperatures are supposed to be in the hundreds, too.

There's an old Twilight Zone episode about a time when the sun is getting hotter and hotter and baking the streets of New York. I remember seeing it and thinking, yes, it's scary but it's science fiction. Now that fiction appears to be much too real.

Every year, we hear more and more about fires, hurricanes, tornados and even blizzards causing terrible destruction. I know there are big changes needed through regulations and such, but what about on the ground level? There are things we can do every day that can have an impact on our environment.

I am making conscious decisions to drive less and have been recycling more for a long time. Is it enough? No, but is it something? I hope so, especially if more and more of us start doing it.
I don't know what more I can say at this point, except to say I really want summer to remain my favorite season. I'm pasting a few ideas here, so our kids can enjoy their summers too.

50 Simple Ways to Make Your Life Greener 
How to be More Eco-Friendly in Everyday Life
Ten Easy Ways to Live a More Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Hot Sun photo: jetsandzeppelins