Tips and Ideas for The Fall

Families are so busy due to this economic global crisis, that traveling in the summer may not have been a possibility. Working one, possibly two jobs, just to sustain the mortgage and to feed the children may have held many families back this year from vacationing. Pulling in extra hours and overtime can be stressful, and feel unrewarding when you can not spend any free time with your family. Take heart in the comfort of knowledge that planes are a known and common factor for our global warming issue. Driving too many hours, unless you own a hybrid, is still not quite green enough. Here are some eco and frugal tips and ideas to enjoy the fall.

The leaves on the trees

If you live in a country that has seasons, taking a walk with your kids to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves is a wonderful way of spending an afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch, along with an old blanket. A journal to write in or your camera to take some pictures that you might want to frame later as a wonderful memory is also a great tip. Explain nature to your children, such as names of flowers, trees, or different types of grass.

An Environmental Craft

Gather some leaves or twigs that have fallen to the ground, or any other form of natural substance to create something unique and inspiring. Twigs and branches can be twisted and wrapped together with natural twine (make sure the twine has no artificial dyes), can make a beautiful wreath for the upcoming holidays around the corner.

Creating a Photo Album

Should you be privileged enough to own a digital camera, try taking many photographs of the turning of fall. Second hand stores do carry used albums, which can be recycled for you to use. Check your local photography shop about the use of soya ink, a natural solution to printing for the environment. The next best option is black and white photographs which most cameras have this feature, or you can download a free photo cropping software. Always print them on recycled paper, and make sure the photography store you deal with, is on the same page as you.

Biking, Walking or a Hike

Most communities now offer a biking or hiking trail, contact your local community centers and find out where they can be located. Keep the trails clean; bring water and a high energy snack such as nuts to keep you energized for this form of activity.

Have a great and happy fall ahead of you, and think green, think environmental, and think healthy changes for you and those around you. You may not have vacationed this summer, but you can vacation this coming fall.