5 Items to Add to Your Fall Bucket List (and They're Eco-Friendly!)
With less than one week until the official start of fall, we will soon welcome what Americans consider to be their favorite season. A survey polling around 1,600 U.S. citizens revealed that 45% of participants named autumn as their favorite time of year — receiving almost twice the number of votes as the next closest season (summer, 24%).
As we inch toward cooler weather and shorter days, there are several activities that can be enjoyed this time of year — aside from watching the leaves change color and purchasing pumpkin spice-flavored everything.
The National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF), the nation’s only Certified B Corp and U.S. Department of Energy Home Improvement Expert Lender Partner, supports the movement to Go Greener – encouraging consumers across the nation to make improvements that help them become ultimately more efficient in their everyday lives.
Try Out These 5 Things This Fall
Utilize Reusable Cups and Mugs
- So maybe it is all about the pumpkin spice latte, after all. In early 2024, Starbucks became the first U.S. chain to allow customers to bring personal cups whether ordering in store, via drive-thru, or in advance through the Starbucks app. With this initiative, Starbucks is hopeful to slash its waste in half by 2030.
Support a Local Farm
- Some of the season’s most defining characteristics include the fresh fruits and vegetables that thrive this time of year. Not only does shopping locally support the farmers in your area, but many farms also offer other festive activities and opportunities to pick your own apples, pumpkins, etc. — which certainly makes for a wholesome afternoon or cozy date night idea.
Donate Clothing
- The concept of spring cleaning doesn’t only have to be for the spring season! As you swap out your shorts and tank tops for warmer pieces, rather than discarding any old or unwanted items (92 million tons of textiles end up in landfills each year), consider donating to friends and family, secondhand stores, or shelters in need.
Go For a Scenic Bike Ride
- For when you have cabin fever or simply want to step outside and experience the fall foliage — consider going on a bike ride in place of going for a drive. It’s no secret that cycling is better for the planet than driving your car, as research reveals that making this swap (even just once per day) can reduce the average person’s carbon emissions by up to 67%.
Purchase Secondhand Books
- Did you know that manufacturing just one new book produces almost nine pounds of carbon dioxide? In case reading becomes your new favorite cool-weather activity — consider shopping at local thrift stores or secondhand shops. For any old or unwanted copies that you might have, check out stores like The Salvation Army of Goodwill for drop-off and/or donation opportunities.
The change of the season — and any festivity that follows — is exciting, but it doesn’t have to be environmentally costly!
SOURCES: Book Finder, CBS News, Earth.org, Starbucks, UCLA Transportation
