Sustainable living is now a trend, a necessary trend that aims to guide everyone toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. We should implement and adopt eco-friendly habits all year-round; however, when the wind chill starts to set in and the leaves begin to change color, announcing the arrival of autumn, that’s when starting sustainability becomes even more practical and meaningful. This is because it signals that a whole new holiday season is approaching, and the earlier we adopt sustainable habits, the better the impact will be during the holidays.
Every day, an average person generates around 4.9 pounds of waste in the U.S. Let’s imagine we can reduce that number by half; then, from autumn to the end of this year, all the small changes from each of us can significantly reduce the amount of waste.
Reduce Plastic Waste by Switching to Compostable Products
We all know that single-use items are practical and convenient. They represent a major innovation that makes our fast-paced lives easier. However, the consequences of these single-use plastics are mountains of waste that cannot be fully recycled or incinerated. They remain in landfills for hundreds of years, leaching toxic chemicals into both terrestrial and aquatic environments. This is why it’s crucial to find a solution to this growing problem.
To maintain the convenience of single-use items without harming the planet, several new innovations have been introduced. However, there is still a lack of awareness among consumers about these alternatives.
Fortunately, there are now plenty of plastic alternatives available on the market that work just as effectively as traditional plastics—without the devastating environmental impact. These products are often made from plant-based and renewable materials such as rice, coconut, grass, coffee, wheat, and sugarcane. It’s now common to find coffee shops serving beverages with compostable coffee straws instead of plastic ones. Even single-use utensils and food containers are available in compostable materials, like wooden utensils, sugarcane food boxes, and more.
Embrace Reusable Bags and Containers for Autumn Shopping and Cooking
Autumn is a time to relax and enjoy the changing weather. It’s also a season when we tend to cook more homemade meals for ourselves, our families, and holiday gatherings. These activities can easily be done in a sustainable way by making simple choices—like using reusable tote bags for grocery shopping instead of single-use plastic bags. With Americans using approximately 100 billion plastic bags per year, this number could be drastically reduced by switching to reusable alternatives like tote bags.
Additionally, when preparing your meals, remember to cook just the right amount to avoid excessive leftovers. Food waste tends to peak during the holiday season, contributing significantly to climate change. By planning meals carefully, we can enjoy delicious food while minimizing waste and its environmental impact.
Sustainable Clothing Choices for Cooler Weather
With cooler temperatures on the horizon, now is the ideal time to switch to sustainable clothing choices. Fast fashion may seem tempting, but it’s a major contributor to environmental degradation. In fact, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater, according to the World Bank. This autumn, why not opt for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo? These materials are not only better for the environment but are also more durable, making them ideal for cooler weather.
Another fantastic way to reduce your fashion footprint is by shopping secondhand. Thrifting or repurposing old outfits not only gives clothes a second life but also helps combat the waste generated by fast fashion. Try combining your wardrobe staples with a few vintage finds to create a unique autumn look without contributing to overconsumption.
Fall Decor: Go Green with Compostable and Reusable Decorations
Fall is synonymous with festive decorations—whether it’s for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply welcoming the autumn season. However, many traditional decorations are made of plastic and are often discarded after a single use. According to Stanford University, the U.S. throws away 25% more waste during holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving than at other times of the year.
To avoid contributing to this surge in waste, opt for sustainable decor alternatives. Get creative with eco-friendly options! Even items like EQUO’s compostable straws can be repurposed into fun crafts and spooky DIY Halloween decorations—offering a sustainable and unique twist to your holiday setup.
Sustainable Travel and Outdoor Activities for Autumn Adventures
Autumn is a beautiful time to explore the outdoors, whether you're hiking through forests or taking a weekend getaway. However, transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 29% of U.S. emissions, according to the EPA.
Whenever possible, choose eco-friendly travel options. Biking, walking, or carpooling to your destinations are great ways to minimize your carbon footprint while enjoying the crisp fall weather. If you’re planning a trip, consider using public transportation or opting for an electric vehicle.
Small Autumnal Changes for a Greener Future
As the leaves change and we embrace the season’s cozy comforts, it’s important to remember that the choices we make—no matter how small—can have a lasting impact on our environment. By incorporating sustainable habits into our daily lives, we contribute to a greener future. Whether it’s using reusable tote bags, opting for eco-friendly decor, or switching to compostable products, every little bit helps.
Let’s take this autumn as an opportunity to make mindful changes. Explore EQUO’s range of eco-friendly products, from compostable straws to sugarcane containers, and see how easy it is to live sustainably without sacrificing convenience.
