WOW where did the summer go and how can the leaves of Autumn already be here? Are you ready? I am not talking about decorating but about those actions that can help you sustain yourself and your household. So let us start the ball rolling with you.
1. Now would be a great time to part with those clothes from your summer wardrobe that did not get worn or purposed. Consider donating the garments or you can sell them via your favorite space. Take a good look at your garments before you consider storing them or next year. Are there stains that will set? Take the time to think about why they did not get worn this year.
2. The same process would apply as you put away your outdoor and patio gear. Is there a reason why the gear did not get used? Can these underused items be donated, recycled, or repurposed for a new life? Did the items get upgraded and you just did not part with them yet? I know that I have a small fire table that needs to be donated or put on the free site for taking.
3. The next item is sustainable appointments. Now is a good time to make sure you have scheduled your fall/winter tune-up for the furnace and turn down the air conditioning. Remember to put the fall covers on all outdoor units that need protection. The same would go for you. Have you scheduled all of your annual appointments for medical demands such as mammograms, annual physicals, dentist, etc.?
4. Now that your closet and bureau have been cleared of summer, you can prepare for the colder weather. Complete a review of your cold-weather wardrobe to see if you have any items that need to go as well as any items that still need to be replaced from last year. This will allow you to watch for a sale and not be caught by surprise and pay the higher prices. Remember that buying used garments may be an opportunity. Now is also a great time to consider donating cold-weather clothes that you know you will not use again.
5. Batteries that need to be on hand for the autumn changeover. The batteries will need to be changed for fire detectors to prepare for the winter months. Now is also a good time to check flashlights to ensure they are in working condition and batteries are not corroded.
6. Do you know where the car ice scrapers and brushes are? Now is the time to dig them out and get them ready for use. Also, do you have extra windshield wiper fluid on hand as it won’t be long until the road dirt and salt are covering your windshield? If you put extra gear in your car for winter, it may be a good time for you to find it and keep it close by. Another idea is to keep it together in a bin with a lable marked for "Winter Car".
7. Take the time and go for some beautiful autumn walks as the weather is cooler and nicer for long walks. Walking will make you more sustainable and can bring you peace. Walking will also give you time to think about your autumn transition and clothing changes that may be needed. You could also consider apple picking on one of the weekends. Of course, you need to check ahead to see which orchards are allowing picking and what their hours are.
8. Think about your winter daily food changes as the summer sustainable garden projects are changing. Are there local CSA’s that you can take advantage of for your winter products that will result in a lower carbon footprint? Can you preserve or ferment the extra garden products that you may have produced in your garden? Maybe it is time to also consider an indoor hydroponic garden to keep those greens local and available.
9. Back to your home. Check for doors and windows that may need help to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It may be time for weather stripping, door draft preventers, or a touch of insulation here or there. Ensure your thermostat is properly set for the winter by gradually lowering the temperature to prepare you for the cooler weather and be more sustainable. Let’s not forget to check the gutters (ensure they are clear) and ice coils (are they still working)if you have them.
10. Are you ready for winter self-care? Now is the time to get your winter body scrubs prepared for that drier cold weather skin. There are plenty of sustainable DIY recipes online that can be prepared with products you already have in your home. An example might be Coconut oils combined with course coconut sugar for a body scrub kept in a glass jar in your shower. You might also choose to support a local small business spa to get your skin taken care of which can be a nice treat. Do not forget that sunscreen is still necessary if you spend lots of time in the bright light outdoors
I hope that you find this list helpful and that it enables you to have a smooth start to Autumn and all of its splendor. If you would like a bit more inspiration please read this Autumn Wonders blog.
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