Everyday Eco-Habits

Eat local, seasonal produce

Planning your meals around seasonal produce is a great way to spice up your dinner rotation. Swap out that mundane grocery store veggie for autumn glazed carrots or add a pear to your breakfast. Buying local produce means there’s less packaging and emissions behind your purchases. For more seasonal inspiration, check out this seasonal food guide. 

Avoid fall treats served in disposables

It’s pumpkin spice season and the cravings are real. Unfortunately, these fall treats often lead to single use plastics going in the garbage. Next time you head out for your morning pick-me-up or afternoon sweet treat, check to see if the location will permit you to use your own reusable cup. If this isn’t possible, consider skipping the straw in lieu of your own reusable option.

Save and store your seeds

Whether you’re saving seeds from your vegetable garden or from native plants in your flower bed, saving seeds is a great way to prepare for the next growing season. It’s an affordable way to expand your harvest. Not sure where to start? Attend our free program on October 17th: Partnering to Present: Seed Sense: Mastering Seed Saving, Storage, and Collection.

Ed Weaver, President of Weaver’s Orchard Inc., a beloved, local farm in Morgantown, Berks County.

Reconsider your next fall haul

While that ghost mug and burnt orange throw are tempting, seasonal decor is a major contributor to our landfills. Check out second hand stores for a more eco friendly way to decorate your home for the season. You can also use natural leaves to add fall color to your home. If pumpkins are your thing, utilize local organic produce that can be donated to farms or zoos to avoid waste.

Get creative with your Halloween costumes

There are plenty of options to get in the Halloween spirit without buying a brand new costume. Search secondhand stores and local online marketplaces for gently used options. Lean into using accessories you own or adding spooky makeup to complete your look. The most sustainable option is already in your closet!

Choose sustainable activities

The transitional weather in fall allows for a wide variety of fun activities. For a cozy night in, host a craft night with friends. Try gathering supplies from nature (like leaves) or create a bug hotel to help local creatures prepare for winter. Enjoy the outdoors by soaking in the fall colors and brisk air on a local trail. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Berks Nature fall programs.

Leaf them be!

A well manicured lawn can be very disruptive to local wildlife. Sometimes the most eco-friendly option is the simplest. Avoid the urge to rake the leaves in your yard. The leaves serve as cover for hibernating animals and insects, and they add nutrients that replenish the soil. You’ll also save plastic bags.