Summer tips: Five points for a sustainable summer
Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson, professor of biology at Mid Sweden University, offers five tips for a meaningful summer, filled with rest, reflection and consideration for both nature, oneself and common sense.
1. Do something for biodiversity
"We have to stop treating our gardens like floors. Let the grass grow – a well-mowed lawn is like a desert for life," says Bengt-Göran with a smile.
Other simple ways to make a difference are to plant flowers for bees and butterflies, build an insect hotel and set up birdhouses – preferably also one for bats.
2. Read books that provoke thoughts
Reading on holiday isn't just relaxation – it can be an exercise in seeing the world differently. Bengt-Gunnar recommends reading women writers in particular.
"As a counterweight to the historical dominance of men," he says, and suggests three books:
• Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson: The forest – about trees, people and 25,000 other species
• Mary Shelley: Frankenstein – when you want to reflect on the responsibility of research
• Jonna Bornemark: The renaissance of the immeasurable – about the human need to look beyond numbers
3. Visit a nature reserve
There are many gems to visit in the region if you want to experience beautiful nature and a moment of inner reflection.
"Nature has both answers and questions for those who listen," says Bengt Gunnar Jonsson.
Some of his personal favourites are Jämtgaveln with its pine forest, fire field and history, Stornäset on Alnö in Sundsvall, which is perfect for bird watching and sausage grilling, or why not a swim in the shallow water. Bjurälven, which is located in northwestern Jämtland, is another tip that he promises is pure magic.
4. Lift your eyes – write an opinion piece
Since summer is a great opportunity for reflection, maybe it's time to sharpen your pen as well. Why not take the opportunity to address important topics such as contempt for knowledge and relativization of facts or the climate crisis and our inability to take it seriously, he suggests.
"The university's role in society is another burning topic that needs attention”.
5. Rest – for real
Finally, let summer and vacation be just that – a break.
”Skip the review assignments and your own articles. They can wait. The important thing now is to sleep a lot, eat well, preferably locally produced, and spend time with those you like”.
Bengt-Gunnar Jónsson