October has finally arrived. Imagine this: you put on your new cosy knit cardigan, light your apple-pie scented candle, and take the first sip of your takeout pumpkin-spice latte. You feel like Autumn personified. Sounds good? Obviously! But sadly, our favorite fall comforts are not the most eco-friendly.
The activities, treasures, and memories that I associate with the start of autumn have long led me to call it my favourite season. I jump at the chance to buy anything that smells vaguely of cinnamon and use the changing leaves as an excuse to update my ever-changing wardrobe. However, it’s this very culture that creates unnecessary waste and damages our environment. I’ve therefore decided to adopt a more sustainable approach this October, while still enjoying my favorite autumnal festivities with an eco-friendly mindset.
Cook with seasonal ingredients.
One of my all-time favourite autumn activities is cooking. Perfecting a bowl of warming soup or preparing a sweet batch of banana bread always makes me feel festive, and doubles as a house-warmer! Why not try this recipe from Half-Baked-Harvest for a delicious Maple Banana Bread with Cinnamon Spice Butter? While this activity is already fairly sustainable, using seasonal, local, and organic ingredients can reduce its environmental impact. The best fruits and vegetables to buy in October include apples, pears, broccoli, kale, and, of course, pumpkin! In St Andrews, I recommend taking a trip to Naturity and discovering their range of seasonal produce, or walking to Balgove Larder for a range of farm-grown veg.
Use a keep cup
It’s hard to beat the feeling of picking up a warm drink before class or a long study session at the library. Every year, the arrival of autumn is accompanied by the temptation of trying a range of seasonal beverages. Simply getting your coffee in a reusable keep cup is an easy solution, allowing you to experience the joys of a maple caramel chai sustainably! One of my favourite places for an affordable chai in St Andrews is the Old Union Cafe. I also find that metal keep cups, by brands such as Stanley or Chilly’s, are best because they don’t change the taste of your drink.
Avoid scented candles
When the days get shorter and temperatures drop, lighting a scented candle is a great way to brighten up long evenings. This seemingly innocent activity can actually have a significant environmental impact, leading to both air and water pollution through the release of harmful chemicals. However, don’t worry – there are alternative options that will leave your home smelling just as good! For example, making a homemade potpourri with cinnamon, oranges, and cloves, or investing in sustainably sourced essential oils (available at Holland & Barrett). If you cannot be dissuaded from purchasing a scented candle this October, make sure to buy ones made with natural ingredients, such as soy or beeswax.
Make homemade decorations
Decorating your home for the start of autumn is another fun way to appreciate the changing seasons. Unfortunately, this often involves purchasing new (often plastic) ornaments, which is not very sustainable and produces large quantities of waste. So why not try making homemade decor this year? Creating a garland out of autumn leaves is easy, eco-, and budget-friendly. And if you’re feeling extra creative, try making festive decorations out of clay, or painting a picture using warm, autumnal colours. This is guaranteed to leave your home looking cosy—plus, it’s super fun!
Reuse Halloween costumes
The environmental consequences of autumn festivities culminate each year on Halloween, in large part due to the number of costumes purchased (and then instantly disposed of). Over 83% of Halloween costumes end up in landfill each year—pretty scary! Instead of buying something new this October, I encourage you to recycle, reuse, or swap clothes to create your look. If you are purchasing new items, why not consider donating them or saving them for next year?
Implementing a few small changes this autumn doesn’t just make a mindset change, but also influences a lifestyle change. If we want to keep enjoying the cool, crisp autumns that we know and love, we all need to make sustainable changes now.