Refresh, Renew, Reuse
By Julia Sellers
Spring is finally here!
Here’s our quick spring cleaning checklist and some sustainable tips to get you started on the path to a season refresh. (Thanks to @commonsearth for the reminders on sustainable cleaning products!)
What’s essential for your spring cleaning list?
More ways to be sustainable!
Volunteer in a Community Garden: Spend time at Sustaining Way’s demonstration site and/or community gardens and help us grow fresh, nutritious food for distributions! It’s a great way to connect with nature and like-minded people and give back to the community.
Choose Sustainable Transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transit to reduce your carbon footprint. See the Greenlink routes at https://www.greenvillesc.gov/1179/Route-Map. Remember, you can use the Trolley for FREE to get around downtown!
Support Local Farmers: Buy produce from farmers’ markets. Greenville has the Saturday Market by TD. For more info, check out https://www.saturdaymarketlive.com/
Reduce Waste: Swap single-use plastics for reusable items (ex: tupperware instead of ziploc bags for leftovers/snacks on the go), recycle properly (remember glass can’t be recycled in GVL, and neither can flexible plastics like plastic bags!) (many grocery stores have plastic bag drop-offs by the front of the store), and try composting food scraps at home (or bring them to Annie’s house and let us compost them for you… or make a veggie broth from leftover veggie scraps!).
Shop Secondhand: Thrift for clothing, furniture, and gifts to save money and reduce waste (check out our secondhand shopping guide!).
Protect Pollinators: Plant native flowers, avoid harmful pesticides! Life hack, use boiling water for a chemical-free way to get rid of weeds instead of herbicides!
Plant Trees: Trees absorb CO2 and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Consider reaching out to Trees Upstate to plant one in your yard or community.
Get Involved: Whether it’s us or another nonprofit with a mission that aligns with your personal values, get involved in your community and volunteer! It’s so rewarding to make a positive difference through hands-on work.