As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace eco-friendly habits that align with the season. Whether it’s adjusting your home’s energy use or rethinking your holiday traditions, there are many ways to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying all that autumn has to offer.
Here’s are some ideas for how to be more eco-friendly this fall.
Look for ways to be more energy efficient
With cooler temperatures on the way, it is good think about energy efficiency. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to keep warm air inside. This simple step can significantly reduce your heating costs and energy use. Consider setting your thermostat a few degrees lower and wearing cozy sweaters or blankets indoors. Additionally, using a programmable thermostat allows you to automatically lower the heat when you’re asleep or away, further reducing energy consumption. Switch over to LED lights whenever possible.
Look to reduce your water use where you can, and install low flow adapters when you can.
Sustainable fall decor
As you decorate your home for the season, choose natural, sustainable materials over synthetic ones. Decorate with items like pumpkins, gourds, and colorful leaves, which can be composted after the season ends. You can also use branches, pinecones, and acorns to create beautiful, nature-inspired centerpieces and wreaths. If you prefer to buy decorations, look for items made from recycled or sustainable materials, and save them so they can be reused year after year.
Start a compost pile
Fall often means an abundance of fallen leaves. Instead of bagging them for the landfill, consider composting them. Leaves are rich in carbon and can be an excellent addition to your compost pile, balancing out green materials like food scraps. If you don’t compost, use fallen leaves as mulch in your garden beds to protect plants and enrich the soil. Mulching with leaves also helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Shop for local and seasonal items
Fall is harvest time, which means an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Shopping at local farmers’ markets supports your local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Seasonal fall produce, such as apples, squash, pumpkins, and root vegetables, are not only fresher but also typically require less energy to grow and transport. Try to buy in bulk and preserve some of the harvest by canning, freezing, or drying to enjoy throughout the winter months.
Make your Halloween more sustainable
Halloween is a fun time of year, but it can also generate a lot of waste. Be mindful of how you celebrate by choosing eco-friendly costumes, decorations, and treats. Instead of buying a new costume, consider making one from items you already have at home or shop at a thrift store. For trick-or-treating, opt for reusable treat bags or containers. When it comes to candy, look for options with minimal packaging or buy in bulk to reduce waste.
Eco-friendly school shopping
Fall is a great time for outdoor activities, but it’s important to minimize waste while enjoying nature. Whether you’re going on a hike, attending a fall festival, or visiting a pumpkin patch, bring reusable water bottles, snacks in reusable containers, and cloth bags for any purchases. If you’re planning a bonfire or picnic, avoid single-use items by opting for reusable plates, cups, and utensils.
Eco-Friendly Holiday Prep
As fall transitions into the holiday season, start thinking about how you can make your holiday celebrations more sustainable. Consider making your own gifts or decorations from recycled or natural materials. When hosting gatherings, use reusable dishes and utensils instead of disposable ones. Also, be mindful of food waste by planning meals carefully and using leftovers creatively. As you start to plan for the holidays, try to shop locally for gifts and support local merchants.
By embracing these eco-friendly practices, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of fall while minimizing your environmental impact. Small changes in how you heat your home, decorate, travel, and shop can add up to make a big difference for the planet.
