PROVIDED PHOTO
Enjoy an
A
eco-friendly
autumn
utumn arrives with cool breezes, awe-inspiring foliage and
the hint of holidays on the horizon. Fall is a favorite time of
year for many people because the crisp weather motivates
people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.
Individuals conscious of their carbon footprints can use fall as a
time to take inventory of their behaviors and make changes where
necessary. The following are some steps to take right now that fit
perfectly with the harvest season.
• Shop at a local farm stand. Take advantage of the many
roadside stands that crop up this time of year where you can find
bushels of apples, pumpkins, gourds, and late-summer vegetables.
16 • 2017 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car
After a day of sightseeing, visit a farm stand for warm cider and
freshly baked doughnuts. Buying local produce reduces reliance on
foreign-shipped foods and other products, while also cutting back
on the fuel consumed to get foods from the farm to the table.
• Use nature to decorate. Skip plastic, mass-produced
decorations and rely on nature to dress up your home. Fill vases
with leaves and berries. Place small pumpkins on mantles, and
enrich the landscape of your home with vibrantly hued mums and
other cool-weather plants. Corn husks and stalks can add harvest
flair to front porches. Twigs nestled and tied together can make
interesting table centerpieces.