6 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for Fall

As the pace of summer starts to slow down and the cooler days set in, many of us are looking forward to adding a touch of warmth and coziness to our homes and routines. Unfortunately, the seasonal shift often brings an overwhelming amount of consumption, such as mass-produced decor, fast fashion, and thousands of single-use coffee cups.

Rather than give in to the temptation to overbuy and over consume, consider approaching the season through a more intentional lens, one that satisfies both comfort and sustainability. Here are 6 easy eco-friendly swaps for fall.

1) Natural Candles Candles are a seasonal staple, but most conventional options are made with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that release toxins when burned. Instead, consider beeswax or soy candles that are naturally scented with essential oils. These alternatives burn cleaner, last longer, and are often locally made and can be found at your local markets.

Research shows that burning paraffin wax releases potentially dangerous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates.

People exposed to these chemicals reported headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing.

However, if you’re worried about the potential negative health effects of burning paraffin wax, you can try using candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or other plant-based waxes.

– Healthline, Are Candles Bad For You? Myths, Science, and More.

2) Natural Fall Decor Mass-produced seasonal decor is often poorly made and destined for landfills. Rather than purchasing plastic pumpkins or novelty items, opt for natural elements such as pinecones, dried citrus garlands, and branches. You can even explore second hand shops for unique pre-loved pieces.

RELATED POST: 4 Easy DIY Fall Home Decor: Zero Waste Edition

3) Loose Leaf and Reusable Tea Infusers While seasonal beverages are delicious, they’re often associated with excess packaging and added sugars. A sustainable alternative is to prepare loose leaf teas at home. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also allows for a more intentional and calming ritual as part of your daily routine.

4) Natural Heat Packs With cooler temperatures comes the need for warmth and comfort. Instead of single-use hand warmers or heat patches, invest in a microwavable cherry pit, flaxseed, or rice heat pack. These reusable options are effective and long-lasting.

Choosing cherry pits as a heating medium supports environmental sustainability. Since cherry pits are a by-product of the cherry industry, using them in heating pads helps reduce waste and promotes a circular economy. 

Furthermore, cherry pits are biodegradable and compostable, unlike plastic beads or other synthetic materials that contribute to landfill waste.

– Sacksy Thyme, Why Cherry Pits?

5) Reusable Food Storage Solutions Fall invites baking, batch cooking, and cozy meals. This also tends to increase food-related waste. Transitioning to reusable food storage, such as beeswax wraps and glass containers, is an effective way to reduce single-use plastics.

6) Reusable Cups Last but not least, autumn beverages like pumpkin spiced lattes are a beloved tradition, but their environmental cost adds up quickly. Consider bringing a reusable tumbler or insulated cup when visiting your local coffee shop. It’s a small but significant step toward reducing single-use waste and your drink will stay warmer for longer.

With just a few thoughtful changes, you can cultivate an autumn that feels rich in warmth, comfort, and connection without compromising your values or contributing to unnecessary waste. By embracing intentionality over excess, we can experience fall as an invitation to live more simply, mindfully, and sustainably. Will you be making any of these swaps? I’d love to know!

RELATED POST: 9 Easy Ways to Create a Sustainable Seasonal Wardrobe