While the Leaves are Turning Yellow and Orange, You Can be Green this Fall

Fall is an exciting time, the leaves are changing colors, pumpkin patches are opening, and that holiday spirit begins to fill the air. But what could make fall even better? Choosing to have a green fall this year.

Here are five easy ways you can have a positive impact this fall, so grab a pumpkin spiced drink and enjoy!

1. Compost your leaves

Raking the yard may not be the most enjoyable task, although jumping in the pile of leaves in always fun, but the effort to collect your leaves really goes a long way as you can use them as mulch for your yard. If you do want to throw your leaves away, try to stay away from plastic bags to hold the leaves.

2. Attend the 2016 Net Impact Conference

The 2016 Net Impact Conference is where emerging impact leaders go to collaborate, learn, and innovate for social and environmental change. Taking place November 3-5 in Philadelphia, you will hear from inspiring speakers and gain impact skills in breakout sessions including workshops, panels, and debates. Don’t miss out, register now.

3. Donate your old coats and blankets to homeless shelters

While many love the drop in temperature during the fall- wearing knit sweaters or drinking hot chocolate by a crackling fire- for others it can be a dangerous struggle just to stay warm enough throughout the night. Especially if you live in a cold climate, take some time to donate your old coats and blankets to a local homeless shelter, that old sweater that just hangs in your closet all year could save a life for someone in need.

4. Put your old pumpkins to a good use

There are so many ways to reuse your old pumpkins so before you head to the trash can, check out these ways to put your old pumpkin to better use: Compost - pumpkins are 90% water which means they easily break down making them a great addition to your compost pile. Just remove the seeds to prevent unwanted pumpkin plants. If you don’t have a compost bin or pile, check your local government, nearby farms, or community gardens to see if they collect old pumpkins. Cut your pumpkin into pieces for animals to eat Plant pumpkin seeds- The squash bee is one of many insects to pollinate pumpkin flowers. If you have room in your yard, you can save seeds for a harvest of pumpkins next year.

5. Keep your energy bills low

This is great for the environment and your wallet. Turn your dial down and crochet a blanket or sweater instead. Also get a programmable thermostat so you’re not heating an empty house when your family is at work or school.

Tis the season for impact, happy fall!