Unless you live somewhere near Antarctica, you've probably noticed that the temperature is getting warmer. Summer is on the way. The question on a lot of minds is, how can you stay cool in the summer without having to run your air conditioner all the time?

Here are a few ideas that are definitely green and will save you some cash, too.

Become a Fan-atic

That ceiling fan is a much underused, underrated cooling device. It uses much less electricity to run than the air conditioner, costs less to buy in the first place, and is simple to install. If you are a DIY kind of person, there are always the options of a hand-held magazine, newspaper or the classic Asian air-conditioner. Those fans they carry around aren't just for looks or decoration or adding an Oriental flare to a chic summer outfit. Many Asians carry and use a hand-held fan to beat the summer heat.

Turn Off the Heat

No, I am not talking about the heater. I am talking about appliances that produce a lot of heat. Turn off your computer when you are not using it. Turn off the lights. Better, switch from incandescent bulbs to the compact florescent bulbs. Don't use the oven.

Turn on the Cold

Eat cold food. Put your water in there to keep it cold. Eat small meals with foods that are high in water content like fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't forget to have a store of organic ice cream and sorbet. Just keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible.

Keep it on the Down Low

Heat rises, so stay on the lower floors of your home or any other building for that matter. If you have a stone or tile floor, wipe it off and then lie on it. You will feel cooler just having the cool surface under you.

Open Some Windows

Circulate air by opening your windows, especially those on the north and south side of your house or apartment. Deflect the sun with a white shade or bamboo curtains. If it is really hot, you can try an Israeli air conditioner: You wet some sheets and hand them over the windows in the breeze. Or hang your laundry in the window.

Take a Cool Shower

It is a great way to chill out fast and to keep the air in your home or apartment feeling cooler, too. Because the water is cold, you don't want to stay in there too long, so you save on water. Putting some water in a spray bottle for a quick spritz when you feel hot will cool you off, too.

Turning Japanese

A hand-held fan is just the tip of the Oriental iceberg when it comes to keeping cool. Sitting outside will always feel cooler than sitting inside. Besides it is sociable. Put a bamboo mat in your chair. They rarely heat up and they don't soak up sweat.

Use a ClimaCushion

The ClimaCushion is a great way to feel cool either indoors or in your car. Imagine 150 tiny fans blowing cooling air across your back-side. No more sweating in the car or sticking to car seats. You be able to drive in cool comfortable and possibly save on gas because you won't have to run your air conditioner