As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the beauty of the fall season—a time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and festive gatherings. But, with the shift in seasons, we often see an increase in waste. From disposable cups at coffee shops to synthetic holiday decorations, fall can sometimes bring a heavy footprint.

At Ekologicall, we believe that enjoying the season doesn’t have to mean contributing to waste. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite low-waste activities, products, and ideas to help you embrace autumn in a more sustainable way. Whether you're an avid environmentalist or just beginning your journey towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, these tips are for you.

1. Grab a good book, a blanket, and sit outside

Nothing says fall like curling up with a captivating book and a cozy blanket, either under the golden canopy of autumn leaves or on your couch by a warm fire. If your book is secondhand, it’s even better! Buying secondhand is a great way to reduce waste and give a book a second life. You’re cutting down on the energy and resources used to produce new books, not to mention keeping a pre-loved item out of the landfill.

Our favorite place for fantastic secondhand books: @thatsnovelbooks
Located in Charlotte, NC, That’s Novel Books offers a unique selection of used books. Whether you’re looking for the latest bestsellers or hard-to-find classics, you’ll find something to suit your reading taste. Even if you’re not local, consider searching online for secondhand bookstores in your area or check out sites like ThriftBooks.

2. Zero Waste picnic among the fallen leaves

Embrace the cool breeze and take your meals outdoors. A zero waste picnic is a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy the beauty of nature. Pack homemade snacks like sandwiches, fruits, and pastries in reusable containers and skip the single-use items. For drinks, bring reusable cups or jars—perfect for sipping on some warm apple cider.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring reusable silverware and cloth napkins! They’re lightweight and can be washed and used over and over again. Our stainless steel lunch boxes from U konserve are perfect for storing food on the go.

Low-Waste Picnic Checklist:

• Reusable containers and cutlery
• Cloth napkins
• Reusable cups, bootles or jars
• Bee's wax wraps to wrap your food without plastic or aluminum foil
• A durable, washable picnic blanket

Leave No Trace: After your picnic, ensure the area is as pristine as you found it. Pack up any food scraps and dispose of them responsibly through composting.

3. Support local pumpkin patches and pumpkin composting

Pumpkin season is here! Whether you’re using them for cooking or decorating, opt for pumpkins from local farms or farmers’ markets. This supports local agriculture and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce over long distances.

Once fall festivities are over, make sure your pumpkins don’t end up in the landfill. Composting pumpkins is a great way to recycle nutrients back into the soil. If you don’t have a compost bin, look for local pumpkin composting events or contact a nearby farmer who would love to use them for feed or soil enrichment.

Our favorite farms in the Charlotte, NC area are:

- Wise Acres Organic Farm, 4701 Hartis Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079 - Reservation required

- Hall Family Farm,  445 W Rebound Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720

- Bush N Vine Farm, 1650 Filbert Hwy, York, South Carolina 29745

Pro-Tip: Carve your pumpkins closer to Halloween to keep them fresher for longer, and save the seeds for roasting! Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed year-round.

4. DIY Fall decor with nature’s bounty

Skip the mass-produced, plastic fall decorations and get creative with natural materials from your backyard. Pinecones, acorns, leaves, and branches can be used to create beautiful, rustic decorations.

Here are a few DIY ideas to get you started:

• Leaf garlands: Collect colorful leaves and thread them onto a string to create a vibrant garland for your mantel.
• Acorn wreaths: Glue acorns onto a circular base to make a stunning autumnal wreath for your door.
• Pinecone centerpieces: Fill a bowl with pinecones and dried leaves for a simple yet elegant centerpiece.

By using natural materials, you’re ensuring that your decorations are compostable at the end of the season, leaving behind no waste. You can also store them for next year, creating a sustainable, reusable collection of fall decor.

5. Sip your pumpkin spice latte from a reusable cup

As the pumpkin spice craze returns, let’s enjoy our favorite fall drinks without the waste! Single-use coffee cups are lined with plastic, making them difficult to recycle. Instead, carry a reusable coffee cup for your morning brew.

If you’re a tea lover, consider switching to loose leaf tea to reduce packaging waste. Our organic tea leaves paired with a reusable tea infuser or tea bags will elevate your tea-drinking experience. For coffee enthusiasts, we also carry reusable coffee filters, perfect for brewing that rich cup of coffee.

6. Sustainable sweaters for all your wardrobe needs

Sweater weather is upon us! Instead of buying new synthetic sweaters, opt for secondhand options or choose those made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, or alpaca. These materials are more breathable and sustainable compared to synthetics like polyester, which are derived from petroleum and shed microplastics in the wash.

Where to find sustainable sweaters:

• Thrift stores and secondhand shops
• Online platforms like Poshmark or FB Marketplace
• Brands committed to ethical and sustainable practices (look for certifications like GOTS or Fair Trade)

By investing in quality pieces, you’ll reduce the frequency of buying new items, ultimately minimizing your environmental footprint.

7. Support local farmers at the market

Farmers' markets are a great way to shop seasonally and support local farmers. Seasonal produce is fresher, often organic, and has a lower carbon footprint. Plus, it usually comes with less packaging—sometimes none at all!

Bring your reusable produce bags and totes to avoid plastic waste. If you're in Charlotte, visit our stand at the South End Market and explore our refillable and sustainable products, such as Meliora's Laundry Powder one of our top sellers. Don't forget to bring your containers!

8. Thrift your halloween costumes

Avoid buying new costumes wrapped in plastic that you’ll wear just once. Instead, thrift or DIY your Halloween costumes! Facebook Marketplace, local thrift stores, and even friends’ closets are great places to start.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be preventing textile waste and reducing demand for fast fashion, which is notorious for its environmental impact; About 35 million costumes are thrown away in the US each year which represents almost 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste going to landfill. This is scary!! After Halloween, you can donate your costume back to a thrift store or swap it with friends for next year’s celebration.

9. Illuminate with eco-friendly candles

Nothing sets the mood for a chilly fall evening quite like a glowing candle. However, many conventional candles are made with paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, and release harmful toxins when burned. Instead, opt for eco-friendly candles made from soy or beeswax.

Benefits of soy or beeswax candles:

• Biodegradable and renewable
• Cleaner burn with less soot
• Free from toxins and pollutants

These candles often come in reusable or recyclable containers, making them a more sustainable choice for your home.

10. Carry your reusable tote bags everywhere

Whether it’s for grocery shopping, a trip to the farmers' market, or even carrying your laptop to a café, reusable tote bags are an absolute must. With so many stylish and durable options available, there’s no reason to rely on single-use plastic bags anymore.

If you don’t already have a collection of reusable bags, we carry a variety of sizes and styles in our online store. 

Bonus Tips for a low-waste fall season

Now that we’ve covered our top 10 fall low-waste favorites, here are some additional tips to help you make the most of this beautiful season:

• Layer up instead of turning up the heat: When the weather gets colder, wear layers to stay warm rather than cranking up the thermostat. This small action can significantly reduce your energy consumption.

• Bake your own treats: Homemade pumpkin bread, apple pie, and cookies taste so much better when made with love! Use local ingredients and reduce food packaging waste by buying in bulk.

• Host a clothing swap: Fall is a great time to switch out your wardrobe. Host a clothing swap with friends and family to give and receive gently used items instead of buying new.

• Support zero-waste businesses: When shopping for fall essentials, support businesses that share your sustainability values. Our zero-waste store offers a variety of eco-friendly products to help you reduce waste without sacrificing quality or convenience.

• Compost fallen leaves: Instead of bagging up fallen leaves for landfill disposal, compost them! Leaves are rich in nutrients that can improve your garden soil.

As you step into fall, remember that small, mindful choices can make a big difference. By choosing secondhand books, reusable cups, and natural decor, you’re not only reducing waste but also supporting a more sustainable way of living. So go ahead—embrace the season with open arms, sip your favorite autumn beverage, and enjoy everything that fall has to offer, all while being a good steward of the planet.

Happy fall y'all, and thank you for being part of our sustainable journey!