Winter takes a toll on us mentally and physically with its shorter days and cold weather. That is why it is important as the season settles in to prioritize self-care that not only nurtures our well-being but also aligns with sustainable practices. Taking time for self-care can help keep you healthy and your spirits bright.
In the wintertime your home is your haven. Walking into a warm and comfy home can give you an instant boost after a long day. Keep your home warm by checking for air leaks. Drafty windows and doors can keep you cold and running the heat more than you actually need. Sealing these gaps not only keeps your home warm but also reduces your footprint. It can even help lower your power bill.
Embrace natural fragrances in your home by creating simmer pots. Simmer pots are small pots of water that you place things like citrus, spices and other items in to make your home smell good. You place the pot on the stove and warm it up on low to create a wonderful smell that carries through the whole house and can even act as a small humidifier. Make these eco-friendly by putting in scraps and get creative. Some scraps that I’ve used include orange peels, apple cores, used cinnamon sticks and used coffee grounds.
Make your home feel cozy and bright with a few upcycling projects. Transform old glass jars into charming candle holders using glue and tissue paper or repurpose worn-out sweaters into cozy pillow covers. These projects can make for a great indoors craft when it is cold out and bring an instant smile to your face as you see them around your home in the weeks to come.
Connecting with nature is important for our emotional well-being and that need doesn’t go away just because it is cold out. You can fulfill this need from the comfort of your now cozy and warm home by engaging in birdwatching. Set up bird feeders in your yard that are visible from the window and observe local birds. You might find you enjoy it so much that you want to bird watch in the warmer months as well.
When we are outdoors, winter weather can be harsh on our skin, making a thoughtful skincare routine crucial. Instead of relying on commercial products that are often in wasteful packaging, consider indulging in DIY (do-it-yourself) moisturizing facials. Craft your own natural face masks using ingredients like honey, avocado or yogurt. This will decrease your waste from items like sheet masks and add moisture to skin that often needs it after a day in the cold wind.
Embrace the winter months by cuddling up inside with a good book. Aim to get your books sustainably by visiting the library or even putting a call out to friends. Borrowing books among friends can be a great way to connect. Read the story they loaned you and then have a cup of coffee or tea together to discuss it. You can also attend the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library’s Friends of the Library sale that they typically host every first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All the proceeds support our local library and you get to give some books a second life. Choosing pre-loved books helps reduce the demand for new printing and therefore our water, energy and tree usage.
By incorporating these sustainable practices into our daily routines we can create a winter experience that is cozy and fulfilling while still being mindful of our impact on the world around us.
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.