LEAVE THE LEAVES. Falling leaves signal the start of autumn, but instead of raking and discarding them, consider leaving them on your lawn. Dead leaves play a crucial role in soil health, providing carbon and supporting microbial activity. To avoid dead grass patches, mulch the leaves and spread them evenly across your yard. You can also pile mulched leaves around trees and flower beds to insulate the soil and protect its microbial life through winter.
SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING. As the weather cools, consider purchasing that cozy sweater from sustainable sources. Opt for quality, eco-friendly fabrics or shop second-hand to reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint. Speaking of which, thank you to everyone who has participated in our clothing swaps over the years. It’s a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe by exchanging gently used items with others in the community.
DRINK (your latte) REPONSIBLY. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal drinks like pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider, but instead of using single-use cups that contribute to landfill waste, switch to a reusable mug or travel tumbler. With over 16 million disposable coffee cups used annually, taking your own mug to the coffee shop can make a big difference for the environment. At Replenish, we offer a variety of stylish and durable reusable coffee cups to help you sip sustainably all season long!
WASTE-FREE HALLOWEEN. Make this Halloween more sustainable by choosing eco-friendly options! Skip single-use plastic decorations and opt for reusable or DIY alternatives made from natural materials like pumpkins, leaves, and wood. When carving pumpkins, don’t forget to save the seeds—they're packed with fiber, antioxidants, zinc, and magnesium, making them a nutritious snack. And if you don’t use all parts of your pumpkin, be sure to compost the leftovers instead of tossing them in the trash. Instead of buying a new polyester costume every Halloween, reuse an old one or swap with a friend. You can also try making your own costume—there are plenty of creative ways to craft something unique using recycled materials or items you already have at home. For any extra props or accessories, check out local thrift stores or charity shops. These are fun and eco-friendly way to celebrate the holiday without contributing to waste.
WAIVE WRAPPER WASTE. It takes a bit of effort, but why not take another step towards reducing plastic waste by choosing cardboard-packaged candies to give out this Halloween? Single-serve sustainably wrapped treats include Nerds, Mike and Ikes, Gobstoppers, Dots and Junior Mints. If your family participates in Trick or Treating you can take candy wrappers and other flexible plastic packaging to a Recycle BC depot or London Drugs location. And as an extra bonus - if you live in or around Summerland, you can drop wrappers off with us at Replenish, 9921 Main Street, Summerland.
Fall is a wonderful time of year, and we can enjoy it without adding to waste. In a world full of overconsumption, the small steps we take—no matter the season—help reduce our impact on the environment and protect our planet. Let us know if you have any more fall sustainability tips!
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