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Heatwave management: hydration tips and food preservation
During periods of extreme heat, maintaining hydration and preventing food waste are key concerns. To avoid heatstroke, health experts recommend consuming between 1.5 and 2.5 liters of water daily, while avoiding alcohol, coffee, and sodas.
From an environmental perspective, water is the most eco-friendly option. If choosing alcoholic beverages, beer has a significantly lower carbon footprint than wine or spirits, producing approximately 1.5kg of CO2 per liter compared to 6kg for wine, largely due to the lower transport and packaging impact. Using large cardboard containers (cubis) instead of heavy glass bottles can further reduce environmental impact.
To prevent food waste during heatwaves, specific storage methods are recommended for citrus fruits. Leaving lemons on countertops during high temperatures causes rapid dehydration and hardening of the skin. To keep lemons fresh and juicy for several weeks, they should be stored in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator within a humid environment to prevent them from drying out or developing mold.