Turn off the AC. I think most of us have done this by now, but as it gets colder, we don’t need the air conditioning that was needed in the summer. As always, be intentional with your energy usage. Only turn on the AC or heat when really necessary.
As we transfer into a new season it’s important to know what we can do and how to do it in the most sustainable way possible. Today I am going to share some basic ways you can have a more sustainable fall and winter. Also, I suggest you check out my TikTok. There, I have been posting more quick tips so you can get my content earlier than others. Here I am going to elaborate on those ideas and include a few more.
One thing you can do is compost your leaves. This is super awesome to do. I also strongly suggest you put food compost with this to give it even more nutrients. This past spring I made a garden with just straight up compost. Start the compost now in the fall and let it compost in the winter to be ready for the spring and summer.
Next, I am going to say do NOT let your autumn pumpkins rot. (Hey that rhymed!) It might be a little too late for this one, but another fall will come. This fall was the first Halloween where we didn’t carve pumpkins. Instead, we ate them. (Well, we ate squash… but more about seasonal food later). It is so disappointing how many people let a perfectly good vegetable rot outside all winter instead of eating it for dinner. At least, try baking the seeds. They are a great snack.
Eat seasonally! This also goes with eating locally, organic, and vegan. Especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas (for some even New Years) during this time of the year. These are big food holidays. Having a plant-based holiday season can have an amazing effect on our planet. In addition to choosing more plant-based options over animal products, go to a local farm to support them at the end of their season. Better yet, grow your own fall food. Organic food tastes great. I am hoping this winter to grow a few plants indoors myself. Check out this blog to learn more.
Write out a wish list of things you want for the holiday season. Buying intentional gifts is very important. I have a video coming soon about choosing the most sustainable gifts. Make sure you are subscribed so you will be notified when that comes out. Making your own, supporting small local businesses, or buying second hand when giving gifts are all great ideas. I also recommend reusable packaging such as a used gift bag. There are so many choices!
Lastly, buy any jackets, sweatshirts, hats, or gloves you may need second-hand. This is a great choice if (and only if) you are in need of new winter clothing. Wearing layers instead of cranking up the heat is a great way to save energy. Also, consider repairing your clothing if possible. You can either try yourself or support a small local business to do it for you. Either is a great choice and much better than buying a new fast-fashion jacket.
That’s the end of today’s blog. I hope you learned something from it and it was enjoyable to read. I will see you next week with more about the holidays. (Don’t buy anything quite yet!) For now, peace.