Baby, it's cold outside...but that's no excuse to stay inside! It has been so chilly enough this year that the Florida Citrus growers are worried about losing their orange crops.
Be that as it may, most of us are still going to have to brave these temperatures in one way or another, and most of us are going to feel the cold up close and personal. Pass the organic hot chocolate please, and make it a double!
One of the most effective ways to fight off the cold, besides lounging in a natural hot spring or in front of a red hot wood stove, is called layering your clothing. We are not talking fashion; we are talking safety from the winter chill factor, so designer name brands need not apply. In that vein, here are a few tips on layering clothing to keep you warm all winter long.
Before I get started, remember that what I am about to pass on works the best in cold situations and has been proven to do so. It may also go against some fundamental green principles, but right now we are more worried about safety and survivability, because if you don’t survive, you can’t be green anyway!
The first layer that touches your skin should be a synthetic. Why? Because it wicks away natural body perspiration while you are being active. Cotton and other natural fibers absorb perspiration, essentially wrapping you in a wet blanket when it is freezing cold outside. That isn't a very warm thought. You want to keep moisture away from your body for the most efficient way to keep warm, and the first step is a layer of synthetic underwear.
If you are going out into extreme temperatures, thermal underwear comes next. Top to bottom, legs to neck, and it should, once again, be a synthetic material to keep moisture away from your body.
Non-extreme temps can be taken care of with regular lightweight clothing at this stage. Synthetic-cotton blends work well since they still retain a tendency to wick away moisture form your skin, yet retain a thermal boost for warmth. T-shirts, light pants and regular socks fit the bill here.
Next up is the insulating layer which ideally should consist of wool or other heavier materials. Sweaters and sweatshirts for the top of your body, wool socks for your feet, and heavyweight pants to cover your legs.
The final layer is the outerwear shell. For extreme temps, a full-body suit works the best, but for everyday cold fighting, a good winter coat with gloves and a wool hat will keep you warm. Depending on what you are doing out in the cold, felt lined boots can be added, snow pants can be worn over pants, mittens can replace gloves, and hoods can be pulled over your head.
Of course, these are just the basics, and you can modify them any which way that you so desire. But at the very least, you have the information to keep you warm and safe during the coldest of weather, no matter what activity you pursue, Because Action speaks louder than words!
