Are you planning a camping trip or a festival this summer? Or would you like to relax with a cold drink in your backyard? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! While preparing for my own camping trip, I researched ways to keep food and drinks cool without electricity. IMAGE: “cool garden cabinet” | Unsplash

Cooling food and drinks without electricity

Do you have a garden shed or want to cool food without using the refrigerator? Here are your options:

• Your basement: Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, all you need is a cool, dark basement. These spaces naturally create different temperature zones. It’s coolest near the floor and warmer near the ceiling. That’s why food should be stored close to the floor. Regular ventilation is also important. For more tips, click here.

• Root Cellar: If your house doesn’t have a basement, consider building a root cellar. This is how our ancestors kept their food cool. With some effort, you can even build a small-scale version yourself. Here’s a how-to guide. Alternatively, you can buy “ready-for-home” systems. Our Green Pearls® partner, SCHWAZWALD PANORAMA, for example, uses the “HopfenHöhle” to chill beer.

• Clay Pots: Clay pots are excellent for food preservation. Vegetables, for example, stay fresh longer in them. Building a “clay refrigerator” can enhance this effect even more.

• Evaporative Cooling: Another useful tip is to take advantage of evaporative cooling. Wrap drinks or food in a damp cloth and store them away from light. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the contents, cooling them down. You should definitely also keep this in mind when you’re on the go!

Keeping things cool on the road

• Cooling Drinks and Food in Water: Lakes, streams, and rivers provide natural cooling. Simply pack your drinks in an airtight bag and submerge it in the water. Just make sure to secure the bag properly! Alternatively, you can use a bucket filled with water.

• Burying Food: Food stays cooler underground than on the surface. Even a small hole can make a big difference. Simply repackage the food in an airtight container, bury it, and mark the spot with a stick or similar object. For the best results, bury it about one meter underground.

I hope I’ve given you some ideas for your next camping trip or for spending a more off-the-grid summer at home. If you have any tips of your own, please share them in the comments!