As the stunning hues of early autumn diminish in the northern U.S. states, many of us are getting ready for the extended winter months. Between unpacking our snow boots and retrieving our favorite warm sweaters, it’s also a great time to reflect on how we can live sustainably during the colder seasons.
With the days getting shorter and temperatures dropping, you may notice yourself using more lights or indulging in long, hot baths. However, the same sustainability practices apply year-round. Remember to turn off lights and take shorter showers to save water. Here are several eco-friendly reminders for fall, including some new suggestions for 2025.
Preserve Your Harvest
Before frost arrives, make sure to preserve as much of your garden yield as possible. Canning has made a comeback, and for good reason: it allows you to enjoy fruits and vegetables when they aren’t in season locally. This can help minimize your dependence on produce transported from distant regions (which contributes to your carbon footprint). If you’ve been growing herbs, The Spruce offers helpful advice on drying and storing your herbs for the colder months ahead.
Check Your Tires
As temperatures drop, tire pressure can decrease, leading to lower fuel efficiency in your car. Take a few moments to ensure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure—it’s worth the effort. While you’re at it, review your car’s maintenance history; is it time to rotate your tires? Regular tire rotation helps ensure even wear, which can extend their lifespan and improve gas mileage.
Clean and Service Your Furnace
Your furnace requires regular cleaning to operate efficiently. Dust and debris accumulate throughout the year, affecting its performance and potentially creating fire hazards. Aim to clean or replace your furnace filter every three months, and consider having a professional service your furnace before the cold weather sets in.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by an average of 8%—around $50 annually—according to Energy Star data. These devices utilize motion sensors or smartphone location tracking to learn your preferences over time, adjusting automatically. Many models also link to utility demand response programs, providing further savings during peak energy periods. Popular options in 2025 include the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), ecobee SmartThermostat with integrated voice control, and the budget-friendly Honeywell Home T9. Check with your utility provider for rebates, which can significantly lower the purchase price and make the thermostat pay for itself in energy savings over time.
Bring Inside Your Houseplants
If your houseplants enjoyed the summer outside, remember to bring them back in before it turns too chilly. If you don’t already own houseplants, now may be an ideal time to consider adding one or two to your living space. Not only do plants liven up your interior decor, but they can also decrease stress and enhance air quality. Given that many people in cooler climates open their windows less in winter, houseplants become essential for maintaining good indoor air quality.
Tend to Your Yard
If you own a yard, dedicate some time to prepare it for winter. Collect any fallen leaves to use as mulch that will help protect your plants through the colder months or add them to your compost heap. Fall is the perfect season to plant spring bulbs and certain perennials as well. You can also plant a variety of trees and shrubs this fall, allowing them time to develop strong root systems throughout the winter, which can reduce their water usage in spring.
Strategically Leave the Leaves
Instead of bagging all fallen leaves for waste disposal, consider them a resource. Leaves are full of nutrients and carbon that benefit soil health. Here are several sustainable alternatives:
- Make leaf mulch: Shred leaves with a mower and spread them around your garden beds to winter-protect your plants and enhance soil organic matter.
- Add to compost: Combine leaves (brown material) with green materials like food scraps to achieve balanced compost.
- Leave some on the lawn: A light layer of chopped leaves can naturally decompose over winter, feeding your lawn.
- Create a habitat for wildlife: Pile your leaves in a secluded part of your yard to offer shelter for beneficial insects and small animals.
Choose Active Transportation
Don’t just work outdoors; take advantage of fall’s crisp air for biking or walking. Whenever possible, opt for these active methods of getting around instead of driving. Not only will you cut down on emissions, but you’ll also appreciate the stunning autumn scenery while also getting a workout—a win-win for both personal health and the planet.
Hibernate Responsibly
While we all enjoy the ambiance that candles bring during the colder seasons, it’s important to note that most commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax derived from petroleum. A greener alternative is beeswax candles—particularly if you can purchase them from a local market or craft fair to minimize shipping carbon costs. Be sure to do your research before you stock up on cozy products for fall and winter.
Feature image courtesy of Jenny Downing
Editor’s note:This article was initially published on October 20, 2015, and has been updated in October 2025.
