It is time to relish the joys that autumn brings and finally give our air conditioners a little break. As we feel the cool breeze coming in, it gives us an opportune moment to reflect on the environmental impacts of our seasonal traditions. Lucky for you, celebrating this beautiful season in an eco-friendly way is not only doable but incredibly fun.
Who says you need to buy new stuff to have a fun and festive fall? Consider kicking off your autumnal activities by creating a DIY (do it yourself) scarecrow to set up in your yard for decoration. Head to your local thrift store for some second-hand clothes — a flannel shirt and some old jeans are perfect. For the stuffing, go natural with straw or fallen leaves from your yard. Attach a face made of scrap fabric and you’ve got yourself a scarecrow that’s both charming and eco-conscious.
Dalton is a hiker’s dream, especially when the fall colors come into play. Plus, hiking requires very little in terms of equipment, making it a low-cost way to enjoy nature. Try out our trails here at Dalton State College or the Disney Trail, if you want to challenge yourself. A short trip across county lines to Fort Mountain State Park lets you get some higher elevation and a variety of trails to choose from. The trails are well-maintained, and as you hike you’ll notice the landscape seems to change color before your eyes, showcasing reds, oranges and yellows that will make your heart soar and truly get you in the fall spirit.
Sure, the leaves that fall in your yard may mean a bit of extra work, but let’s turn that chore into a celebration. Collect those leaves and use them as mulch in your garden. They provide a natural and cost-effective way to nourish your soil.
Fall is also a great time for planting certain veggies and perennials. Think about adding some spinach, garlic or even flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils for a surprise spring bloom. A little work now can keep your garden looking beautiful through the winter and even provide some fresh veggies.
It wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins, but how do we keep it eco-friendly? Pick your pumpkins from local farmers to support community agriculture. Place them on your porch, use them in recipes, and when you’re ready, carve them up for Halloween. If you are carving them up and have a dog or two, save them some of the pumpkin inside because it is a healthy, yummy treat for them.
After the festivities are over, don’t just throw the pumpkins away. Composting your pumpkins is a great way to ensure they go back to the earth. Just remove any candles or synthetic decorations before adding them to your compost pile. If you painted your pumpkins, use a vegetable peeler to peel the painted skin and throw that away while composting the rest.
Start getting ready for Halloween now. This will keep you from last-minute stress that also usually means last-minute waste. Try to consider costumes that you can create using items you already own or can buy second-hand. America’s Thrift Stores has a neat campaign this year showing off costumes you can easily thrift. My favorite of theirs is the “Barbie-Que” which just needs a pink apron, a blonde wig and barbecue tongs. It’s easy to create and sure to get a laugh or two.
Fall in the South, particularly in places like Dalton, is one of the best times of the year to be outdoors and revel in nature’s beauty. From building a sustainable scarecrow to hiking amid the fall colors, gardening with intent and responsibly enjoying pumpkins, there are myriad ways to make your autumn celebrations eco-friendly. So, this year, as you sip that pumpkin spice latte (in a reusable mug, of course), remember: The beauty of fall is not just in the colors of the leaves, but in the choices we make to keep our planet beautiful, too.
Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Have a recycling question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.