Repsol YPF

The summer brings a change in lifestyle, and not only because it gives many people the chance to escape work obligations for a few weeks. The heat, which can be asphyxiating leads to excessive use of air conditioning in offices, shopping centres, public transport, homes... which results in a notable increase in energy consumption, and often poor health. Controlling its use, be it at home or in a hotel, is one of the most effective ways of avoiding wasting energy. 

Naturally, if we are going to be away for a few days, it is sensible to unplug electrical appliances and defrost the freezer. 

Bicycles are for the summer 

As such, using public transport or where appropriate going by foot, to travel between the hotel and the beach, to restaurants or to visit historical monuments, is a safer way of enjoying the summer and also results in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. 

In this respect, bicycle hire companies are increasingly common, as are councils making bicycles available to tourists, like those of Vitoria, Seville and Valencia. Some hotels even have this option for touring the city or cycling in the mountains. A good way of using the holidays to do some sport and enjoy the fresh air.  

Control water consumption

Increased water consumption is also typical in summer, especially for swimming pools, golf courses... a luxury which some regions affected by a prolonged drought cannot afford. As such, it is desirable to use a commodity as precious as water more carefully, be it due to conviction or simply caution. In the metropolitan area of Barcelona, for example, since March, using drinking water to fill up swimming pools or water gardens is punishable with fines of up to 3000 euros. 

Finally, if you have a holiday flat on the coast, it is worth considering the option of fitting aerators to taps and shower heads, a measure that will enable you to reduce water consumption without compromising your quality of life. 

Related articles

- What kind of appliances should we carry in our luggage?

- How many resources do we waste per day?