Pumpkin spice is in the air ... can you smell it? The fall season is officially here. It may seem counterintuitive, but the changing of the leaves from green to brown is actually the perfect time to introduce some greener habits into your life.

Amid the pumpkin spice frenzy, it’s easy to get caught up in the season without thinking about the effects of overconsumption on Mother Nature. These are our sustainability tips to help you enjoy a cozy autumn season – the eco-friendly way. Join us in making this fall a bit greener!

One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable is to change what you put on your plate. So start your green journey by choosing seasonal, organic and locally sourced food! By making this choice, you’re reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation while also supporting local farmers in your community. Plus, seasonal produce tends to be fresher, tastier and requires fewer resources to grow and transport. When you shop locally, you support the environment and your local economy. 

Fall is one of the most exciting seasons to decorate and it comes with plenty of sustainable options!

As tempting as they may be in store, skip plastic and synthetic materials. Instead, take advantage of the natural materials Mother Nature offers in autumn. Pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and leaves can add the autumnal touch you’re looking for, but are biodegradable. You can even grow decor in your own backyard!  

If you’re a creative person, you can also craft your own fall decor out of natural materials, like: 

• Leaf garland: String together leaves with twine and add to your mantels, doorways or windows.
• Pumpkin planters: Hollow out pumpkins and use them as planters for seasonal flowers.  
• Corn husk wreath: Use dried corn husks to create an autumnal wreath for your door.
• Pressed leaf art: Collect leaves of all sizes, shapes and colors, then press them between books to flatten. Once they’re flat, you can place them in a frame.

Since these crafts are made of natural material, they can often be composted right in your yard at the end of the season. Enjoy the creative fulfillment while engaging in a more sustainable lifestyle. 

When the weather starts to get chilly, it’s tempting to turn up the heat, but there are more eco-friendly ways of staying comfy, cozy and warm in fall. 

• Drafts: Fix drafts before cold weather comes with weatherstripping, caulking and sealants, a door sweep or window insulation kits. 
• Windows: About 30% of your home’s heat escapes through windows during cooler months. To keep warm air from flying right out the window, add energy-efficient attachments. These can come in the form of blinds, storm windows, shutters, glass film and a variety of shades.
• Thermostat: Switch to an energy-efficient thermostat to reduce your overall energy consumption, which can help save money too (bonus!). Consider a programmable one to optimize heating, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and your carbon footprint.  

Do you really need an excuse to snuggle with a comfy blanket? Nope, but we’re giving you one anyway! Before turning up the heat and burning fuel or electricity, consider bundling up in your favorite blanket instead. We encourage you to enjoy the blankets you have, but if you need a new one, an organic blanket is a great (and greener!) option. 

Fall is full of sales and temptations, but it’s important to shop mindfully even in the face of shiny, flashing deals. Resist the urge to impulse buy during seasonal sales. Instead, focus on quality over quantity and choose products that are ethically made and built to last. Also, avoid falling into the trap of making a purchase just because there was a sale. If you wouldn’t buy it at full price, then it’s probably an impulse purchase.

Autumn is the perfect time to rethink your wardrobe with sustainability in mind. If you’re shopping for new clothing, focus on buying timeless, high-quality pieces that will last several seasons. Choose brands that prioritize ethical production and eco-friendly materials. 

Don’t say goodbye to your summer clothes, either! Layer them to transition into cooler weather. A summer dress can be paired with a cozy sweater and boots to create a new fall look.

The circular fashion movement focuses on reducing waste and extending the life of clothing with the goal of moving toward a closed-loop system. Here’s how you can participate:

• Thrift and resale
• Upcycle and repair
• Support circular fashion brands

Shopping for something secondhand can even be more exciting because you’re not getting something everyone already has.

While preparing your home for fall, keep your cleaning routine eco-friendly, too. Choose natural, EWG VERIFIED® cleaning products that avoid toxic chemicals. Use reusable cloths instead of disposable wipes or paper towels. You can even upcycle old clothes by turning them into rags for cleaning. To conserve water, opt for water-saving appliances wherever possible and use a bucket instead of keeping water running from the faucet.

The abundance of fallen leaves offers a perfect opportunity for a greener garden next year! Create your own compost by collecting autumn leaves and mixing them with food scraps and other compostable materials. Over time, and with a bit of elbow grease, it will break down into nutrient-rich material for your garden. You can also use leaves for mulch and as a natural insulator for plants over the winter.

If you’re vacationing in the fall, get in touch with nature and make it a green vacation. Choose eco-certified accommodations and travel locally to reduce emissions. When packing, pack lightly and bring reusable items. While at your vacation destination, patronize local businesses and restaurants to support the local economy. If you’re not set on a specific place, visit a less crowded destination to reduce the environmental strain of overtourism. While traveling, use public transportation when possible to reduce your carbon footprint.

Interested in finding more ways to live sustainably? See our everyday hacks for an eco-friendly lifestyle.