The leaves are turning and we're feeling that back to school feeling. September can feel like a time for new beginnings as much as Spring! Read on for some of our top tips to make some sustainable changes this September

Back to school

It's back to School, which often means new everything! From pencil cases to school uniforms, the list can seem endless. If you can afford it (sadly, sometimes the eco-friendly versions are still much more expensive than their non-eco-friendly counterparts), it's a great time to invest in some longer-term, sustainable products. There's 100% recycled stationary from Heart & Parcel, bamboo lunch boxes from the Bambuu brush, and water flasks in many shops like this one from The Range, there is a plethora to choose from! 

Get your garden ready

Getting your garden ready for the winter (and even ready for the autumn) is a great way to make sure your green space is doing the best it can for you (and the planet!). Don't stop planting just because it's getting colder. You can plant a variety of cool-season pretty flowers now, such as calendula, cosmos, pansies, and chrysanthemums. You could also think about building a compost bin now- with all the leaves and spent material that will be falling into you garden, there will be plenty to get you started. There are also plenty of edibles you can start to grow now. Take a look here for some inspiration.

Small swaps

If we've heard it once, we've heard it a thousand times, but it is true when they say that the planet doesn't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, but rather millions of people doing it imperfectly. There are some great small swaps you can try out this September, from tracking the amount of food you waste to help you reduce it, or swapping the milk you use in your coffee once in a while. Take a look here for 18 simple swaps to get you started.   

Embrace the harvest

Eating seasonally, and locally, is one of the biggest things you can do to reduce the impact of your diet on the planet. September is full of amazing produce, from blackberries to King Edward potatoes, and you'll love getting creative! Take a look at our previous blog here on 5 in-season ingredients for September to get inspired.

Support local events

There are so many wonderful local events that are put on during 'Sustainable September', and many of them serve as great days out for the kids too. Taking place between the 24th September and the 2nd October, 'The Great Big Green Week' is the UK's largest organised celebration of community action to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. Click here to find an event near you.