It’s April Fool’s Day. Will you be playing any pranks on your loved ones and co-workers? I thought about posting some sort of joke or silly prank but couldn’t come up with any good ideas. Instead, I’ll leave the joking for others and continue to celebrate spring. If you’re looking to adopt some new eco-friendly habits, today’s post has ten ideas for a green and sustainable spring.
10 ideas for a green and sustainable spring
Green your garden
One of the best parts about spring is getting out in the garden after being cooped up inside all winter. Now that the snow has melted, the snowdrops and daffodils are starting to peek their heads above the soil. I love spring flowers. It always amazes me that they are there under the huge piles of snow and, all it takes is a little warmth and sunshine to bring them to life.
Gardening is a great way to reconnect with the Earth. Here are a few ideas for green and sustainable gardening this spring.
Get a rain barrel
If you don’t have a rain barrel, look into getting one. It’s great to capture rain water to fill your watering cans to keep your flowers and vegetables hydrated during dry spells.
Some municipalities offer rain barrel giveaways in spring, or they may sell them at a discounted rate. Look into the programs available in your area.
Plant your own flower pots
Flower pots on the deck and the front walkway add such a nice splash of colour that lasts all summer long. It’s convenient to buy the pots at the garden centre, but I wish they weren’t all plastic. When we cleaned out our shed last year, we probably put 20 pots out for recycling.
Last year, for the first time, I grew some flowers from seed and planted my own pots. It worked out well, so I plan to do more this summer.
Grow some veggies
There’s nothing better than fresh veggies from the garden. I’m not a big gardener, but I do plant some tomatoes, lettuce, beans, potatoes and peppers every year. If you’ve got kids, gardening is a great learning opportunity for them.
If you don’t have a lot of space, consider growing tomatoes and lettuce in pots. I’m always inspired by people who grow veggies on small balconies using vertical gardening systems. It just takes a little creativity.
Plant a tree or two
Trees are good for the planet in so many ways. In addition to their aesthetic value, they produce oxygen and provide a habitat for wildlife. And, the shade they provide can cool your home, keeping things comfortable and reducing the amount of energy you use to power your air conditioner.
Last year we had to remove a couple of older trees on our property. I’m looking forward to shopping for a new tree for our front garden this spring.
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Spring cleaning
For many people, spring is synonymous with cleaning. Here are some green and sustainable spring-cleaning ideas.
Chemical-free spring cleaning
Be cautious about the cleaning products you use. Check out my post on chemical-free cleaning for tips on things to watch out for. And, find out how you can make your windows sparkle without glass cleaner in Easy window cleaning with no chemicals.
Dry your clothes outdoors
There’s nothing quite like the fresh, clean scent of laundry dried outdoors on a clothesline. Outdoor drying saves energy, and your clothes will last longer.
If you don’t have space for a clothesline, buy a folding drying rack and dry laundry on your deck or balcony.
Getting out and about
After being stuck inside all winter, one of the best things about spring is being able to get outdoors. It’s good for our health, and it’s also an opportunity to connect with neighbours we haven’t seen all winter.
Leave the car at home
With the high price of fuel right now, why not give your car a break? For short trips, consider walking or biking. It’s great exercise for you, will save you money, and it’s better for the environment.
For longer trips, think about public transit or carpooling.
Explore local trails
Exploring a local trail is an inexpensive way to enjoy a change of scenery and get your steps in at the same time. It’s so much fun to discover new hiking trails in your local community. If you live in Waterloo Region, check out my list of trails to explore this summer.
Go for a garbage clean-up walk
Finally, when the snow melts in spring, it reveals all the trash that people have carelessly tossed aside all winter. If you’re feeling ambitious, grab some garbage bags and do a neighbourhood cleanup.
Revisit your thermostat
Heating and cooling are, by far, the biggest sources of home energy use. As you get ready to turn off your furnace and switch on the air conditioning, look for ways to use less energy this summer.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, look into getting one. When used properly, it can save you up to 10% on your home energy bills.
Another way to save energy is to bumping up your thermostat by a degree or two. You probably won’t notice the difference and the savings can really add up. In fact, the US Department of Energy estimates a 3% savings for every one degree (Fahrenheit) you adjust your thermostat up in summer or down in winter.
I’d love to hear your ideas for a green and sustainable spring. Tell me your thoughts below.
Great reminders, Michelle! My husband and Charlotte were just outside cleaning up the yard after a long winter, too! We definitely do some of these! We are big on natural fun rather than paying for fun… like nature walks/hikes, roaming the mall to window shop (but not buy), playing outside and arts & crafts (using our imaginations). That’s what we’re trying to teach Charlotte- so far, I think it’s working! She rarely complains about being bored but I don’t see the same for other kids who constantly have activities booking up their days so it’s a good sign! A bit of balance in life is always beneficial!
That’s great to hear. Sometimes I think kids are overstimulated and have lost the ability to amuse themselves with simple things like going for a walk, playing outdoors or reading a book. It’s awesome that you are teaching Charlotte to appreciate those kinds of activities.
I’m leaving the jokes to others as well :)..great ideas, I’ve been wanting to grow veggies for awhile. Happy April!
I never used to grow a lot of veggies other than a couple of tomatoes in pots on my deck. I’ve been gradually expanding my selection every year. Some things are easier to grow than others, but it’s hit and miss.
Love these tips for welcoming spring sustainably! We have planted seedlings indoors and prepped the garden for outdoor planting. As the weather gets warmer, it is awesome to dry clothes outdoors! When I take them off the line, they come in smelling like sunshine. 🙂
I agree Jaya. There’s no cleaner smell than clothes dried on the line.
I’m looking forward to the veggie planting in a few weeks too. Xx
It will be so nice. I’m starting my tomatoes and peppers indoors this weekend! 💚🍅🫑
Ooo I’m not brave enough to start this early after everything getting frosted last year in May
Oh I won’t be planting anything OUTDOORS until late May. Our last frost is typically around May 24 but, depending on the forecast, some years it’s early June before we move the plants outdoors.
That was the mistake I made last year, I put them out before the last risk of frost
Growing vegetables is now my favourite thing. Now preparing to sow some new seeds. It’s summer here. That’s the only issue.
It’s so wonderful to grow your own veggies. I am excited to get mine started.