Hot Tips for the Cool Season
The shift into the cooler, darker season may mean more time at home with increased energy spending, but it’s also a good time to deepen our connections to ourselves, our community and our loved ones as well as to nature. Here are 10 ways to be more “winter green” throughout the cooler season.
One: Leave the leaves! Plants conserve their energy for the winter months by shedding leaves, and as that leaf litter falls to the ground, it becomes a mulch that covers and protects the soil and helps retain moisture seeds need to germinate in the spring. Who likes raking anyway?
Two: Buy local, seasonal produce. Among those winter crops are vegetables that thrive in the cooler, darker months because they do not require as much photosynthetic energy to produce flowers or fruits. Plus, those leafy greens, root vegetables and seeds do a lot to keep our bodies nourished. While at your local farmers’ market, ask for suggestions on the seasonal selections.
Three: Bring reusable containers to that holiday get-together. Sharing food is a great way to make those delicious moments last a little bit longer.
Four: There is a reason the kitchen is called the heart of a home. The warmth and love from cooking your delicious meals at home warms both your belly and your dwelling.
Five: Choose ecological gift wrappings. Discarded gift wrap can contribute to massive amounts of holiday waste, and many items, like shiny paper and plastic tape, cannot be recycled or composted. This year, try using paper bags, saved gift bags or newspapers as gift wraps. (I highly recommend using the comics section.) For an extra cozy touch, tie a sprig of rosemary or dehydrated citrus up in the bow.
Six: Save electricity and set the mood with early morning warm beverages and dinners by candlelight. Dimmed lights help with our natural circadian rhythms, while artificial lighting can interrupt our body’s natural sleep patterns. *Always use caution with candles. Burn them within sight and keep away from flammable objects.
Seven: Instead of turning up the heat in your home, layer up! Long underwear made from silk or bamboo makes a nice gift, and those the warm blankets and a hot cup of tea make us feel cozy. Hot toddy, anyone?
Eight: Every season the fashion industry generates huge amounts of both pre- and post-production textile waste. Thrift-shopping for clothing is a way keep unwanted clothing from the landfill, and you will probably find yourself a unique look to carry you through the season.
Nine: Eliminate drafts. Here’s easy way to see if your home is weathertight: Light an incense stick, walk to each window and door and watch to see where the smoke travels. If you see the smoke getting sucked toward a crack, you might need to reseal. A sealed lining will keep the heat from your heater source inside your home and potentially lower your electric bill.
Ten: Find a cuddle buddy. Electric blankets and space heaters can be wasteful and lead to high power bills. Instead, find a loved one—human or animal—snuggle up and enjoy the season.
