Tenants at Axel Row Apartments in Birmingham, AB, can enjoy many outdoor summer activities. The converted historical building is situated in a district filled with air-conditioned shops and restaurants. It is also situated next to the pet-friendly Avondale Park. After fun in the sun or socializing at a local cafe, residents can cool off in their air-conditioned spaces or put some summer eco-friendly tips into practice.

Staying Cool Indoors

Running an air conditioner all day is expensive. Other ways to stay cool include taking cold showers, giving your feet an ice bath and closing any drapes to keep heat and UV rays out of your space.

Using a small personal fan is a lot less expensive than using an air conditioner because it uses less electricity. Consider using a battery-operated fan that hangs around your neck to stay cool. You can also cool yourself off the old-fashioned way by using an elegant hand-held fan.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Stay Refreshed

Summer apartment trends are all about saving energy. Keep meals cold and simple and use the microwave instead of the stove. Be sure to buy salad spinners and salad bowls with lids to keep your produce fresh. An automatic ice cream maker is a good investment, as you can use it to make cooling gelato and low fat ice cream.

The Alabama climate is also suitable for growing indoor plants that can also add oxygen to the air. Decorate your space with Peace Lily, Boston Fern and Snake plant.

Cool Comfortable Apartment Living

Staying cool is partly a psychological endeavor, so decorate your apartment in cool colors such as dark blue, forest green and mint green. Summer eco-friendly tips include spraying your unit with cool mentholated scents such as eucalyptus, mint or pine. When the sun goes down and the air feels cooler, be sure to open your windows and balcony doors to let the cooling breezes in.