Fall is filled with so many fun activities — from family dinners to special holiday gatherings, trick-or-treating, pumpkin picking, and beyond! With so much going on, it might be seem tricky to focus on sustainability along the way — but rest assured, it’s definitely possible to live a waste-less lifestyle this season. Here are a few of our favorite ways to streamline your trash pickup in Ocala and the surrounding area, all fall long.
Add Reusable Totes To Your Rotation
Stocking up on ingredients for fall cooking? From seasonal spices to fresh bread for your warm, hearty stew, heading to the store with reusable tote bags — as opposed to bringing home paper or plastic from the store — can help reduce your footprint. Of course, even the most well-intentioned shoppers can slip up when it comes to bringing bags to the store (we’ve all been there!), so set aside a few bags to keep in your trunk just for this purpose.
Get Produce At The Farmer’s Market
Speaking of shopping… why not skip the store altogether? One of the best parts of fall and winter is farmer’s market season throughout the Sunshine State! The weather has finally cooled down enough to enjoy a bit of al fresco shopping, and communities across Central Florida are celebrating with fresh produce, baked goodies, and other artisanal finds.
The best part? Purchases from your local farmer’s market don’t often have all of that extra plastic packaging, so you can feel even better about bringing home a delicious (and eco-friendly) haul for the family.
Rethink Your Holiday Dining Routine…
Throwing a Halloween party, or planning ahead for your Thanksgiving feast? Swapping out disposable plates and cutlery for eco-friendly alternatives can help take your gathering to the next level, all while helping you and your guests be more sustainable.
… & Gifts, Too!
Though it may not be time for holiday gift-giving just yet, we know that’s right around the corner! Now is a great time to consider fun wrapping paper alternatives — today’s newspaper or craft fabric scraps can be tomorrow’s gift wrap!
Breathe New Life Into Past-Its-Prime Food
Stocked up on a few too many apples for fall baking? Don’t worry! You can use this versatile fruit as the heart of your autumn simmer pot, aka a homemade “candle” right on your stove. Simply simmer apple cores, orange peels, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water to fill your home with a cozy fall scent while preventing your food from going to waste!
These changes can help you make small but significant steps toward a sustainable household! And if you’re in need of commercial waste services, Florida Express Environmental can help with those, too — starting with a waste-stream analysis so you can fully understand your organization’s needs. Contact us today to get started. We look forward to working with you!