My five Easy Green reminders for autumn.

Ahhhh, autumn. I’ve seen lots of lovely posts welcoming the season but I’m afraid I’m not quite ready to embrace it just yet.

I’m still mourning the loss of summer – although I’ll do the same when autumn moves to winter and so on. Maybe I just don’t like change?

Every season has its good and bad points and I admit there is a lot to like about autumn but, for me, it is also the time when some not so great habits start to creep back in – and all because of the weather (at least that’s my excuse).

In a bid to cut myself off before I start, I’ve come up with my five Easy Green reminders for autumn:

Heating: It is oh-so-tempting, especially at 4.30am, to put the heating on at this time of year when actually just adding another layer of clothes (or a dressing gown) would probably do the job. I’ll be pleased with myself when the energy bill comes in.

Drinks: My addiction to shop-bought hot chocolate goes from bad to worse as it gets colder (believe me, if I could create one at home that tastes as good I would). I’m trying to cut back, honest, but in the meantime I MUST make sure to take my own reusable cup with me and at least save one element of waste (and some pennies).

Clothes: “I need a new coat,” I declared after digging my old one out of the bottom of the wardrobe and finding it was ripped under the arm. Do I though, really? Of course not. Even if a friend hadn’t volunteered to mend it (thank goodness for handy friends), there is still plenty of wear left in it, especially if I don’t flap my arm around. As the temperature drops, I find it tempting to splurge on new things (especially pajamas, for some reason) when I know I could save some money (for hot chocolate) and help the environment by reusing the old ones or, if I really need something new, look for it pre-loved first. Speaking of which, if you do have a sort out why not donate your old warm clothes (the non-torn ones) to a charity helping the homeless, particularly hats and gloves.

Food: If you buy food when it is in season it will not only be at its best but it should also be cheaper because there is more of it. I know this and yet I struggle to act upon it. This year I’m on a mission to get better at it. According to Eat Seasonably, this month things like blackberries (foraged) and runner beans (my dad brought us some from his garden) are good to go. They have a handy chart so you can find out other things to cook.

Outside fun: It’s tempting to want to cuddle up under a fluffy blanket and stay inside (well it is for me) but there is much fun to be had outdoors in the autumn – and best of all, it’s free. Now Freya is older and less inclined to put EVERYTHING in her mouth I’m really looking forward to having fun in the park with leaves and collecting bits and bobs to make things with. I’ve started a Pinterest board to gather some ideas, if you’re interested.

Wishing you all a lovely autumn (sorry to anyone on the other side of the world – although you have got summer to come. Lucky you!).

Have you got any Easy Green tips for autumn? I’d love to hear them.