As the crisp autumn air settles in, our daily routines shift, and so does the impact of our actions on the environment.
This season often means more time spent indoors, more cooking, and an increased consumption of various products, including personal care items and household goods. As a result, our plastic consumption may increase without us even realizing it.
This makes the autumn season the ideal time to take a step back and consider how we can embrace more sustainable habits, without giving up comfort.
In this article, we will take a room-by-room tour of the home, highlighting conscious choices and behaviours we can adopt. Just keep in mind that waste sorting rules can differ from one municipality to another, so it is essential to check the website of your local waste management service for accurate information.
In the Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is where most of our packaging ends up: food wrappers, bottles, trays, films, caps, and bags. During the autumn season, we often cook more frequently, save leftovers, and begin planning our grocery shopping trips for the holidays.
How to be more sustainable in the kitchen:
- Choose products that are packaged in recycled or easily recyclable plastics (such as PET, PE, or PP);
- Avoid single-use items whenever possible (for example, replace cling film and plastic bags with reusable containers);
- Ensure that packaging is free of residue before disposing of it, as this prevents contamination and improves the effectiveness of recycling;
- Be aware of multi-layer packaging (for example, plastic combined with aluminum), and check labels to understand the proper disposal methods.
In the Bathroom: Bottles, Tubes, and Makeup
In the bathroom, plastic items come in many shapes and sizes: shampoo and cleanser bottles, cosmetics, disposable razors… As autumn approaches and the air becomes drier, we tend to use more skincare and personal care products.
How to cut down on bathroom plastic:
- Choose refillable bottles or packaging made from recycled plastics;
- Pick concentrated or multi-purpose dispensers to minimize overall plastic use;
- Make sure caps, pumps, and other parts are disposed of properly, as they sometimes need to be separated from the main bottle;
- Avoid products that contain microplastics (such as scrubs with synthetic particles).
In the living room, laundry, and pantry: be aware of hidden plastics.
Many plastic items can linger in our homes for months or even years instead of being thrown away immediately. Think of detergent bottles tucked away on laundry shelves, large food packages, or small promotional items often forgotten in drawers…
In these areas of your home, try to:
- Reuse trays, jars, and containers whenever possible;
- Dispose of hard plastics properly once they are no longer usable;
- Check the symbols on the bottom of plastic items (the triangle with a number), as not all plastics can be recycled in the same way!
How to Manage Plastic Waste Wisely During Your Holidays
Even moments of leisure and relaxation during this beautiful season can produce plastic waste, especially if you travel frequently for weekend getaways or autumn holidays.
Here are some best practices for enjoying sustainable holidays:
- Bring reusable water bottles and containers for food and drinks;
- Avoid disposable tableware during picnics or dinners out;
- Collect and take home any waste produced during excursions;
- Choose accommodations that are committed to sustainability and put it into practice.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Living sustainably does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul, but it does mean being mindful of our daily choices. In autumn, as we shift to a more home-centred lifestyle, we can start to develop positive habits that will last over time.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Let’s start from here.