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The forecast for this summer? Hot, hot, hot, thanks to an El Niño year and the effects of a warming planet. When it comes to staying cool, The Cool Down has you covered. As the biggest climate-driven lifestyle brand, our mission is to make your life easier, while making the planet cooler.
As the mom of two kids under 10 and the cofounder of The Cool Down, I’ve made it my mission to test, try, and recommend products and swaps that really work – and will help you live healthier while saving time and money. We’ve partnered with theSkimm to recommend our favorite tried-and-tested picks for your home this summer:
The most innovative tumbler to keep your drinks cold…
The SMMT tumbler is a favorite on our team, with its leak-proof, removable steel lid that also doubles as a magnetic coaster. With high-tech insulation, it’ll keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe. SMMT is a small business that gives back to the local community and is part of 1% for the Planet. ($42, SMMT)
A plastic bag alternative to keep your food cool…
Uber-versatile and dishwasher- and freezer-safe, this perfectly sized reusable bag works for everything from snacks to frozen treats – try freezing peanut butter cups, grapes, or even gummies. By choosing this bag, you’ll replace up to 260 single-use plastic bags every year. ($19.99, Stasher)
A breezy backpack for an outdoor picnic…
Lightweight but durable — and totally leakproof — this comfy cooler backpack keeps all your picnic supplies cold for up to 36 hours, egg salad included. Hydro Flask donates a portion of proceeds to Parks For All, their giving program dedicated to protecting parks. ($199.95, Hydro Flask)
An electric grill that keeps your oven off and your home cool…
Get ahead of the Grill Dads with an electric setup — you won’t have to buy charcoal or propane and you’ll prevent dangerous carcinogens from swirling around your dinner. Our tiny-but-powerful pick is extremely portable and can plug into any standard 120V outlet. ($399, Weber)
A portable air conditioner that’ll save you money…
This mini heat pump will save you money by cooling parts of your home or apartment more efficiently using a fraction of the energy. It can be placed in a window or moved from room to room as needed, and each one works for heating and cooling, so you can save money year-round. ($699, Amazon)
The ultimate smart thermostat for anyone without central air…
If you rely on window A/C units, mini heat pumps, or other portable cooling systems, this award-winning smart controller allows you to adjust your home’s temperature from one place. So when you’re heading home from a long workday or vacation, you can remotely turn on your cooling so it feels perfect when you arrive. Plus, save money by tracking your usage or scheduling your AC to go off when you’re out of town. The device costs less than a nice pair of linen pants and is compatible with over 20,000 different heating and cooling systems. ($124.99, Amazon)
Shades to keep your home or apartment cool…
Beat the heat without blasting your AC all day with solar shades. Especially for heat-prone, south-facing windows, solar shades block out UV rays while still allowing light to pass through — keeping things cool without closing up your house like it’s “The Purge.” Solar shades also reduce glare and prevent faded furniture, floors, and art. (From $199, The Shade Store)
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