Sustainable Alternatives for Fall

Fall is here, and don't we all love some cozy seasonal decor?

It really helps brings the season to life, especially here in Phoenix, where fall is more a state of mind than a change in the leaves.  We have to stir ourselves up with our pumpkin spice lattes and little gourds tucked into random corners, since it's definitely too warm for sweater weather yet.

Did you know that there are sustainable ways to enjoy the changing of the seasons?

Fall is the kickoff of the busy season of festivities and holidays to be celebrated, but it also begins the time of year that contributes to a large about of the waste our country produces.  From pumpkins that end up in landfills, to costumes that equate to tons of plastic waste, it all adds up quickly. The good news is that also means that anything you do to reduce this waste in your home will add up to a positive impact for the environment. Now that's a true homey spirit!

 

Here are some ways you can reduce waste and help the environment in a more ethical way this fall season:

 

Compostable Decor 

Did you know that the majority of the 900,000 tons of pumpkins produced for the fall season will end up in the landfill? We love the ability to use real pumpkins over plastic, but rather than leaving them to rot away on the porch, what else could they be used for? You can use the insides to make pumpkin pies and breads; you can cook a soup inside one of these hollowed out squashes; they can be upcycled into bird feeders; lastly they can also be added to your composting, and can eventually be used to fertilize your garden next year.  The options are limitless!

fall decor that gives back

Non-toxic Candles that Give Back

We love a good candle as much as the next person, but did you know that the candle industry has a negative impact on the environment through their use of paraffin wax, which is the most commonly used wax for candles? Paraffin is a petroleum product, so not only is it bad for the environment to produce, but it's also releasing massive amounts of toxins into your home with every use.
We love Calyan Wax Co for all our fall candle needs! All their candles are made with wax that's paraffin, paraben, and phthalate free, with no harmful artificial fragrances that act as a disruption to your hormones and endocrine system. They also give a portion of their proceeds to organizations that fight back against human trafficking in the U.S, making these candles not only sustainable, but mission minded.  Check out the collection here!
fair trade online stores

Ethically Made Candy

It was estimated in 2019 that Americans spent $2.9 billion on candy.  Most of these candies rely on palm oil as a main ingredient, which contributes heavily to the deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

What can be done? One very easy way to cut back on candy waste is to get candy in bulk! Getting candy from a bulk store, and you can use small paper bags to measure out candy to hand out. You can even decorate the bags if you'd like!  Another option would be to get organic candies that don't contain food dyes or palm oil.

Unfortunately, there is also a dark side to many of the major candy makers, especially chocolate, that involves child labor in the supply chain. Our favorite B Corp Certified chocolate is Tony's Chocolonely- scrumptious chocolate that's disrupting the whole industry. 

Tony's Chocolonely

Ceramic Mugs for Warm Fall Drinks

There's nothing like a new mug to add some whimsy to your morning coffee experience.  Why not choose a mug with a mission you can get behind? Sobremesa stoneware mugs are hand crafted by a variety of artists in Peru, India, Guatemala, and Tunisia, and are certified Fair Trade and lead free.

 

Thrifted Decor

Thrifting decor has never been easier or more accessible! Seasonal decor tends to be such a revolving door, which is purchased and often discarded when the season is over, which means that it's often easy to find decor in secondhand stores that's still very trendy! Stop by your local thrift store and keep an eye out for fall wreaths, door mats, and more when looking to decorate.

 

Reusable Totes

Did you know that more than estimated 9 billion tons of plastic has ended up in landfills and in our oceans since the 1950's? And with no signs of slowing down- that's why it's so important for us to do what we can to cut down on single-use plastics wherever we can. Not only are they harmful to the environment through the chemicals they leech into the soil and water, but they also are killing off animals and ecosystems in our oceans, rivers, and lakes. 
One of the easiest ways to eliminate single use plastics is by incorporating reusable bags into your shopping routine. Our favorite bags from Danica Heirloom are sustainably made and ethically sourced from workers who are compensated well for their efforts, and are given the best working conditions. We know you'll love carrying around one of these bags the next time you go out for groceries! Check them out here!

 

Thrifted or Homemade Costumes

Most people only wear their costumes once or twice before getting rid of them, and it's estimated that about 35 million costumes are thrown away in the U.S., and are mostly made using oil-based plastics that are harmful for the environment and for your skin. Reusing old costumes, thrifting pre-used, or piecing together a homemade costume are all ways to lessen the environmental impact!