Spring sustainability: How to live a little more lightly this season
Spring in Australia is a vibrant season filled with blooming flowers, warmer days, and an invigorating sense of renewal. It’s the perfect time to refresh your lifestyle and make more sustainable choices. Here are some practical tips to help you embrace a greener spring while enjoying everything this beautiful season has to offer.
Start a spring garden
Spring is the ideal time to start a garden. Growing your own herbs, vegetables, and flowers not only reduces your carbon footprint but also enhances your connection to nature. Try planting local, native species which are adapted to our climate and require less water and maintenance. Some easy-to-grow options include tomatoes, lettuce, and native wattles.
Get composting
If you have a garden then start, or refine, your home composting practices to ensure you’re feeding your garden. Use our kitchen compost caddy and caddy liners to get your composting efforts on track. If you contribute to a municipal waste collection, make sure your using certified compostable bin bags.
Boost your energy efficiency
As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Clean or replace air filters in your cooling systems, seal any leaks around windows and doors, and consider installing window shades to keep your home cool without over-relying on air conditioning. Small changes can make a big difference in your energy consumption.
Go plastic-free
Spring is a wonderful time to refresh your habits and reduce your plastic use. Invest in reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and containers. When shopping for groceries, bring your own produce bags and avoid single-use plastics. Choose products with minimal packaging and support brands committed to sustainability.
Opt for local and seasonal produce
Support local farmers and enjoy the best of the season by buying fresh, seasonal produce. Visit farmers' markets or local grocers with your organic cotton string bags to find fruits and vegetables that are in peak season. In spring, you can look forward to delicious strawberries, asparagus, and leafy greens. Eating locally not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports the Australian economy.
Reduce water usage
As spring brings warmer weather, it’s important to be mindful of your water usage. Install a rainwater tank to collect and use rainwater for your garden. Use drip irrigation systems to water plants efficiently, and take shorter showers to conserve water. Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant water savings over time.
Embrace Sustainable Fashion
Spring is a great time to revamp your wardrobe with sustainable fashion choices. Explore local Australian designers who use eco-friendly materials and ethical practices. Consider swapping clothes with friends or shopping at thrift stores to give pre-loved items a new life. By making conscious choices, you can enjoy a fresh spring look while minimising fashion waste.
Enjoy eco-friendly outdoor activities
Spring is perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying nature. Plan eco-friendly activities like hiking, cycling, or picnicking in local parks. Use compostable ziplock bags for convenient picnic portioning. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after yourself and avoiding activities that could harm local wildlife or ecosystems.
Engage in spring cleaning
Make the switch to eco-friendly practices and products. Have a go at making your own cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. And swap out paper towels and micro-plastic leeching microfibre cloths for reusable bamboo cloths.
Take advantage of longer days
Conserve energy by using natural light to brighten your home. Open blinds and curtains to let sunlight in during the day, and turn off artificial lights when they’re not needed. This simple habit can reduce your energy consumption and help lower your electricity bills.
Consume mindfully
Spring is a time for renewal, so why not apply that concept to your consumption habits? Focus on quality over quantity, and make thoughtful purchases that align with your values. Repair and upcycle items whenever possible, and think critically about the lifecycle of the products you buy.
By integrating these sustainable practices into your spring routine, you can enjoy the season’s beauty while making a positive impact on the environment. Embrace the changes that spring brings with a commitment to greener living and inspire others to do the same.