A Guide to a Slow Lifestyle in the Age of Climate Change

It seems every year we find ourselves asking, "Why is this summer so much hotter?" In Korea, this year’s heat wave warning was issued across the country in early July—20 days earlier than in 2024. This change alone shows that climate change isn't a distant threat; it’s a reality we're living in now.

Korean summers are growing hotter and longer. The average summer temperature in 2024 was the highest on record, nearly 2°C (35.6°F) warmer than usual. The number of heat wave days has more than doubled, from an average of 10 to 24 days, with some regions enduring over 40 consecutive days of extreme heat. Even the nights offer little relief. In 2024, the average number of tropical nights—when temperatures don't drop below 25°C (77°F)—exceeded 20 days, and in Seoul, there were a staggering 39. With the summer season now lasting about 20 days longer, these changes are reshaping our daily lives.

The intense heat is also taking a toll on our health. In 2024, emergency room visits due to heat-related illnesses surged by 31% compared to the previous year, with 34 deaths recorded—the second-highest number since 2018.

As extreme weather becomes our new normal, our lifestyles must adapt to the heat. With longer, hotter summers projected in the future, it's crucial for all of us to adjust our habits and environment.

Korea has long been known for its four distinct seasons. However, climate change is blurring those boundaries. One of the most telling signs of this shift is the northward expansion of banana cultivation. What was once confined to southern regions like Jeju Island is now possible even in northern areas like Seoul. This year, Jeju made headlines when summer heat waves caused pumpkins to ripen right in the field, highlighting just how unusually hot this summer is.

These changes affect more than just agriculture; they’re influencing our everyday lives. As summers get hotter and longer, specific lifestyle trends are emerging.

Soaring Energy Consumption According to Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the average household electricity consumption in August 2024 was 363 kWh, a 9% increase year-over-year. Peak electricity demand in July and August also hit an all-time high. As we rely more on cooling appliances, it's putting a strain on the grid. In my own apartment complex, for example, power outages have become a concern, and the management office sends out nightly broadcasts asking residents to conserve energy.

The Rise of Cooling Beauty The Korean beauty market is experiencing a "cooling beauty" craze. According to data from the popular platform Musinsa, searches for "cooling pads" skyrocketed by 23 times year-over-year, and sales of cooling and soothing products increased by 3.5 times.

As the traditional seasonal boundaries fade and heat waves become more frequent, these changes are deeply impacting all aspects of Korean life. Both individuals and society as a whole must continue to adapt. By embracing sustainable lifestyles and energy conservation, we can build a better future together.

Korea isn't the only country grappling with record-breaking heat waves and tropical nights. The U.S. is also seeing major lifestyle shifts, particularly in the western and southern regions, where temperatures have surpassed 40°C (104 °F) for weeks at a time. Americans are finding new ways to protect themselves from the heat.

☂️ The Unexpected Popularity of Sun Umbrellas (UV Parasols)

Once considered a staple of East Asian culture, sun parasols are now gaining traction in American cities. They're increasingly seen among outdoor workers and students in hot regions like California, Texas, and Arizona. According to Google Trends, searches for "sun umbrella" and "UV parasol" increased by over 150% between 2023 and 2025. Major media outlets like the New York Times and The Washington Post have even highlighted parasols as "the new summer must-have in the age of climate change."

❄️ The Explosive Growth of Personal Cooling Products

To combat heat-related stress and discomfort, the market for "personal cooling" products is booming in the U.S. Items like wearable fans, cooling necklaces, cooling towels, and cold-compress sleeves are frequently selling out at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. According to market research firm Grand View Research, the U.S. personal cooling device market was estimated at around $1.6 billion in 2024 and is growing at an annual rate of over 9%.

🌍 A Problem We Face Together

Both the U.S. and Korea demonstrate that climate change is no longer a future problem—it's here, now. While adapting to the heat requires a shift in our lifestyles, it also presents an opportunity to embrace more sustainable and eco-friendly strategies. Efforts to improve energy efficiency are happening globally, and with every small choice we make, we’re shaping our future in a warming world.

In this era of longer, hotter summers and escalating climate change, Slow Recipe is dedicated to promoting an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. We believe that choosing thoughtfully and respectfully benefits both the planet and ourselves, prioritizing a slower pace over fast, convenient consumption.

Our first strategy is to naturally conquer tropical nights. Instead of relying on air conditioning and disposable ice packs, we need choices that allow both our bodies and nature to rest. Daegu1988 bedding is the perfect partner for a cooler summer.

• Eco-friendly materials: Made from natural plant fibers, this bedding is gentle on the skin and doesn't release microplastics during washing, reducing its environmental footprint.

• Natural breathability and quick absorption: The material quickly absorbs and wicks away sweat, creating a comfortable sleeping environment. You can experience a cool night's sleep without depending on air conditioning.

• Long-lasting sustainability: All Daegu1988 bedding is built to last for years. It perfectly aligns with our philosophy of "buy less, use longer" to reduce single-use consumption.

With Daegu1988 bedding, creating an earth-friendly nighttime routine is simple. Start practicing the Slow Recipe philosophy this summer—use less, use longer, and let your body and the planet rest.

After a long day in the intense sun and heat, your skin needs to be soothed and rested. We recommend cooling beauty products made with natural ingredients that are kind to both your skin and the environment.

This shampoo is designed to restore balance to heat-stressed and humid scalps with a deep, cooling sensation and natural ingredients.

• Powerful cooling: Mint, menthol, and eucalyptus extracts provide an instant cooling effect, effectively lowering scalp temperature for a fresh, non-greasy feel. It’s perfect for daily use in the hot summer.

• Natural soothing care: Natural ingredients like rosemary and tea tree oil calm sensitive scalps while controlling excess sebum and maintaining moisture balance for long-lasting freshness.

• Gentle, slightly acidic formula: The low-pH formula minimizes scalp irritation, making it safe for daily use on sensitive scalps. Free from harmful ingredients like silicone and parabens, it promotes healthy hair and scalp.

To quickly soothe sun-heated skin, try this routine with Sunnicorn's calming toner and modeling pack. This gentle combination adds natural cooling and hydration to help your summer skin recover.

• Sunnicorn Calming Toner: Centella asiatica, aloe, and mint leaf extracts instantly reduce skin temperature and soothe redness from sun exposure. The watery, fast-absorbing texture provides a refreshing, non-sticky cooling sensation. The formula is alcohol-free and low-irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Packaged in a recyclable glass bottle, it's also a choice that considers the environment.

• Sunnicorn Modeling Pack: A highly moisturizing, cooling film mask. Natural ingredients (alginate, tea tree oil) form a cool film on your skin that blocks heat and provides deep hydration and soothing. The cooling effect effectively lowers skin temperature, giving you a refreshing feeling even without air conditioning. The mask sheet can be washed and composted after use, minimizing plastic waste.

Our philosophy at Slow Recipe is: "When I use less, use longer, and connect with nature, both the planet and I can rest." The more we rely on air conditioners and disposable products to beat the heat, the hotter the planet gets. But our “use less, use longer, and use again” approach—a rhythm inspired by nature—is a form of climate action that everyone can take.

This summer, join us in making a sustainable transition that benefits both the planet and your well-being.