7 Sustainability Tips for an Earth-Friendly Spring and Summer

Spring is a wonderful season that brings new life, warmth, and color back to the world. It's also a great time to start incorporating earth-friendly practices into your daily routine. Here are some simple and effective ways to celebrate spring while reducing your environmental impact:

1. Start a Garden

One of the best ways to celebrate spring is by starting a garden. Not only does it bring new life and color to your home, but it also benefits the environment. Gardens are great for producing fresh produce, improving air quality, and providing habitats for wildlife. When planting your garden, choose plants that are native to your area to help support local biodiversity.

2. Compost

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Instead of throwing away food scraps and yard waste, turn them into compost. Composting reduces the amount of methane produced by landfills, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It also helps reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment. Having said that, if you live in an area prone to bears or other wildlife check local guidelines on how to make sure you don’t attract unwanted predators.

3. Use Natural Cleaners

Spring cleaning is a popular tradition, but many commercial cleaning products can be harmful to the environment. Switch to natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean your home. These products are non-toxic and biodegradable, and they don't contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the air and water.

4. Use Reusable Bags and Containers

Springtime often means more time spent outdoors, whether it's going on picnics, hiking, or spending time at the beach. Instead of using single-use plastic bags and containers, switch to reusable options like cloth bags and containers made from glass or metal. These options are more durable, and they help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. If the occasion calls for something disposable at least check into compostable bags. 

5. Reduce Water Waste

Spring is a time when many people start watering their lawns and gardens more frequently. However, this can lead to significant water waste. To reduce your water consumption, water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces evaporation and ensures that your plants get the most water possible. Additionally, consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden. This helps conserve water and reduces the amount of stormwater runoff that can contribute to pollution.

6. Reduce Energy Use

As the weather warms up, many people start using air conditioning more frequently. However, this can lead to higher energy bills and increased carbon emissions. To reduce your energy consumption, use natural ventilation whenever possible, such as opening windows and using fans. Additionally, switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances to reduce your overall energy use.

7. Support Local Businesses

Spring is a great time to support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. Look for businesses that use eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and supporting local farmers. By supporting these businesses, you help create a more sustainable economy and reduce the environmental impact of commercial activities.

Living an earth-friendly life is not only beneficial for the planet, but also for our personal health, finances, and social responsibility.

Springtime is a wonderful time to get refocused and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.