Green Looks Good on You! 5 Ways to Live More Sustainably This Fall
From the changing weather to the changing leaves, Autumn is a season of fresh starts and new beginnings. This time of year provides a wonderful opportunity to build new habits, and one important change we can all make is to live more sustainably.
Living ” green” is easier than you may think! It’s about making simple adjustments to your everyday lifestyle to protect the planet. Let’s take a look at five easy ways to live more sustainably this fall:
Go Green with Goodwill!
Buy local produce
Not only do local, fresh fruits and vegetables taste great, but buying local also supports your community and reduces ” food miles.” Food miles refer to the distance it takes food to travel before reaching a consumer. Because local food has fewer food miles, it leaves a smaller environmental footprint! Check out your local farmer’s market to shop for seasonal fruits and veggies and support farmers in your community.
P.S. Pumpkins are a fall favorite, but did you know that they have many different purposes? Yes, you can carve them for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, but you can also toast the seeds, bake with pumpkin puree, and compost any parts of the pumpkin that you don’t need.
Limit single-use plastic
Single-use plastic is convenient when you’re on the go, but it comes at a cost to the environment, especially our oceans. Plastics don’t biodegrade; they break down into smaller and smaller pieces. Animals can mistake single-use plastics as food or become trapped when plastic wraps around them.
Limiting single-use plastic starts by making small swaps. When you’re going to your favorite coffee shop for a warm fall drink, bring a reusable travel mug. Consider getting a reusable water bottle and reusable straw. Bring a reusable bag when grocery shopping. Use beeswax instead of plastic wrap to cover leftovers. While they may seem small, these actions add up and make a difference!
Switch to LED lightbulbs
LED lightbulbs use less energy than traditional bulbs, which is great for the environment and your wallet! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than regular bulbs. Switching to LED bulbs in your home can save you as much as $75 a year!
Program your thermostat
Another great way to save money and energy is to reset your thermostat when you’re away from home. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling bills simply by adjusting your thermostat by 7 to °10 °F. In the winter months, experts suggest setting your thermostat at 68 ° while you’re awake and lowering it when you’re asleep or away from home. It’s that easy!
Give to Goodwill!
Finally, donating to Goodwill is a great way to reduce waste and help the planet! When you donate your new and gently used items to Goodwill, they’re sold in our retail stores to generate revenue for valuable skills training and job placement for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. With the simple act of donating and recycling responsibly, you’re making a big impact!
Donations box
By donating to Goodwill this fall, you can clean out your home for the holidays and make room before you begin shopping for new items. We accept a variety of donations, from clothing and accessories to household items and even cars!
Every year, Goodwill diverts millions of pounds of reusable materials and textiles from local landfills. It’s all a part of our commitment to promoting responsible recycling and sustainability!
Are you ready to donate to Ohio Valley Goodwill this fall? We make it quick and easy! Check out our complete list of items we can accept, then use our locator to find the nearest donation site near you.
