5 Ways to Have an Eco-Friendly Fall
During the fall season, change is all around us. From beautiful leaves to the shift into ” sweater weather,” all these seasonal transitions can inspire us to make a few changes for the better, too!
If one of your goals is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, autumn is a perfect time to adopt some easy, eco-friendly practices. Here are a few sustainable action items to include on your autumn to-do list:
#1: Buy Food Seasonally
One of the best parts of autumn is the harvest of delicious in-season fruits and vegetables. From apples to squash, onions, potatoes, and of course, pumpkins “” there’s no shortage of fresh produce to enjoy during the autumn months! To make an eco-friendly choice, try buying locally-grown seasonal produce at a nearby farmer’s market. Not only will you enjoy fresher produce and support local farmers in your community, but you’ll also help to reduce the environmental impact created by transporting food across states!
#2: Swap Plastic for Reusable Packaging
Single-use plastic may be convenient in a pinch, but it can have significant effects on our planet. This fall, challenge yourself to ditch plastic whenever possible and opt for reusable alternatives instead! For example, bring a reusable cup for your morning coffee or pack your lunch with reusable utensils and glass containers.
White Dishes from Goodwill
For a smart way to reduce, reuse, and recycle this holiday season, try using reusable decorative dishes or trays instead of plastic containers. Goodwill has a great selection of quality kitchenware at amazingly low prices, so you’ll always be prepared when bringing a meal, side dish, or baked good to a friend or relative’s house. Your friend or family member can either keep the dish for future use or pass it along to someone else!
#3: Be Energy Smart
When the weather is not quite warm enough for air conditioning and not quite cold enough for heat, try giving your thermostat a break. HVAC experts recommend setting your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day in the fall months to cut back on energy use and save on your heating bill! When it starts to get chilly out, put on a sweater, snuggle up in some blankets, or drink a hot beverage to stay warm. Before long, you won’t notice the temperature difference!
#4: Clean Out Your Closet
Spring cleaning in the fall? You bet! In fact, it’s a good idea to simplify, refresh, and reorganize your closet before every new season. Start by sorting through your clothing, shoes, and accessories and deciding what you’d like to keep or donate. Then, bring your donations to one of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s convenient donation centers, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Donate to Goodwill and make a difference in your community
Donating to Goodwill is an eco-friendly choice because it diverts reusable textiles from local landfills and gives them a new life and purpose. At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we resell donated goods at affordable prices in our network of 19 retail stores in and around Cincinnati. The proceeds raised support job training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and veterans, helping them go to work in their communities!
#5: Shop Sustainably for Fall Fashion
It’s natural to feel an urge to update your wardrobe when the cool weather rolls around. But instead of buying brand-new fall fashions from a traditional retail store, take a more sustainable route by shopping at Goodwill! Thrift shopping is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and help the planet all at the same time. Because Ohio Valley Goodwill receives hundreds of donations a day, you never know what hidden treasures you’ll find! Plus, you can always shop Ohio Valley Goodwill from the comfort of home by visiting ShopGoodwill.com.
Get Ready for an Eco-Friendly Fall!
There’s no time like the present to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Thankfully, getting started is as easy as donating to Ohio Valley Goodwill!
We gladly accept donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, household décor, kitchenware, toys, electronics, and even car donations for our weekly auto auction!
Your donations make a difference!
Your generous donations fuel Goodwill’s mission to change lives through the power of work and support our commitment to environmental responsibility. With the help of community members like you, Ohio Valley Goodwill is able to continue making a meaningful difference right here in Greater Cincinnati!
This fall, find an Ohio Valley Goodwill donation site near you and join our efforts to change lives and keep our planet beautiful. Thank you for choosing Goodwill!
