Green Transitions into Fall

Tom Szaky
Tom Szaky
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read
CC BY-SA 2.0 Benson Kua on Flickr

After a rather unpredictable and fickle summer, the promise of autumn is just around the corner! Cooler weather, more layers of clothes and new possibilities abound as time spent both indoors and outside with friends and family equals more reasons to get together. But with more activities, such as school, sports games/practices and community events, there are more opportunities for messes. And with more messes, there’s more waste. As the weather turns and changes, honor the planet with these eco-friendly ways to enjoy the season.

[Autumn] clean, sustainably — Opening up all the windows, wiping down surfaces, and rearranging the furniture are all ways to embrace a new season. But with changing temperatures, variations in humidity and different foot traffic patterns bring new smells. Because the dog and kids carry outside smells inside, clean and air things out with non-toxic, DIY cleaners and essential oils.

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Out with the old, in with the new (to you!) — Switching out shorts for sweaters and slip-ons for thick socks is a practical fall ritual, as is freshening boxed-up clothes with Febreze Fabric Refresher — when done, make sure to recycle the packaging through their free TerraCycle recycling program. You may find apparel items that no longer serve you. Instead of throwing them out, donate, resell, consign or swap. Amp up the fun factor with a swap party. You may end up with a whole “new wardrobe.”

Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

Close the distance from farm to table — There’s nothing like a late summer tomato or a basket of onions coming into season. Take advantage of the Earth’s fruit — literally. Farmer’s markets operate until the end of November, and CSA (community-supported agriculture) subscriptions offer fresh, better-than-good produce, dairy and bakery items at lower prices (and a smaller footprint) than the supermarket. KnowWhereYourFoodComesFrom.com is a good resource to help you find your nearest CSA.

Photo by Caleb Stokes on Unsplash

Travel clean — In cooler weather, getting out in nature to appreciate the environment can be cancelled out by a long car ride, which eats up resources and pollutes the air. Pick a spot that allows explorers to drive less, walk, bike, or take public transportation. You will benefit from exercise by walking or biking, and get to know more about your local habitat. Want to up the ‘green’ ante? Try plogging, Sweden’s fitness craze about picking up litter as one jogs or walks.

Photo by Stanislav Kondratiev on Unsplash

Prepare to leave no trace — Time outside means less immediate access to the snacks and sustenance that keep the day going. Prepare for anything; a zero-waste meal kit with a durable beverage bottle, reusable cutlery, flatware and napkins, snacks with either durable or 100% recyclable packaging and homemade sandwiches and snacks support systems that keep the planet healthy.

Photo by Edgar Castrejon on Unsplash

Fall isn’t so much a season or a temperature, but a feeling: nostalgic, varied, fleeting. The planet and the environment it houses are the backdrop to these days of falling leaves and changing weather, so enjoying while taking good care is important for ensuring many colorful seasons to come.

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