As the days get shorter and the weather worsens, we tend to spend more time indoors and can find ourselves with little to do to entertain ourselves and our families. Research shows that our spending often goes up during this season – not to mention the increased energy bills and upcoming holiday season!
To give you some inspiration, we’ve put together some free and low-cost Autumn themed activities, making the season a little kinder to your wallet and the planet.
Entering Soup Season
Autumn in the UK means an abundance of tasty root vegetables and seasonal fruits, perfect for making hearty soups and warming desserts, full of the nutrients and vitamins we all need to get through the nearing cold and flu season.
From classics such as carrot and coriander soup and apple crumble to lesser-known dishes, there are thousands of recipes for you to try this season!
Get Cosy and Crafty!
Love autumn themed décor?
Instead of buying plastic decorations every year (that will end up in landfill) why not create your own? Using empty loo rolls and some yarn, you could create your own cute pumpkin ornaments! You could make it a solo date, or you could enjoy the beginner-friendly craft with your children or a cosy craft evening with friends.
Give back to nature.
As we enter the colder months, food becomes limited for birds and wildlife. You can easily create some natural birdfeeders, simply by coating a pinecone in peanut butter and rolling it in bird feed.
Take up knitting, sewing or crochet.
Got a hole in your favourite jumper or a tear in your best jeans? Rather than a heartbreaking goodbye, learn how to sew to keep it in your wardrobe! Knitting and crocheting are great low-cost hobbies, giving you a fun project to complete on a rainy day.
Prioritise Spending Time Outside
Autumn might be your favourite season, or you might be someone who struggles with the shorter days and weather. Either way, we all need to spend time in nature to support our physical and mental health, especially during daylight.
You could go wild fruit picking, as many berries and apples are harvested until November.
Getting just 20-30 minutes a day outside is enough to boost your mood, concentration and physical health, and with the trees turning a different shade every day, what better time to go exploring?
Plan(t) for the Brighter Days!
- Plant spring bulbs: plants like daffodils, tulips and crocuses all need to be planted in autumn to bloom in spring. Try to choose organic or heirloom bulbs – this way your garden will be supporting biodiversity and local ecosystems.
- Sow wildflower seeds: if you have space, sprinkle some wildflower seeds, which will help our future bees and butterflies pollinate.
- Have you got dead leaves invading your garden or drive? Try making leaf mould! It’s simple, instead of bagging them up, gather them with a rake or brush and leave them in a pile over your soil. As the leaves break down, they’ll be providing essential nutrients to your soil, keeping it healthy for future growth.
- Got some food scraps left over from your homemade soup? Rather than throwing them out, use them for composting!
Treat yourself or friends to a pamper evening at home
Ever looked at the ingredients of shop bought face-masks? Not only are they wrapped in plastic but harm the planet by having a high-energy manufacturing process. The colder weather can make our skin dry, which you can sooth with ingredients you already have in your fridge or cupboard!
- To help hydrate: mix half an avocado, 1 tablespoon of honey and a handful of oats.
- To improve uneven skin texture. 1 tablespoon of natural plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
- To reduce oil: half avocado and a ¼ of a cucumber (blended)
A Greener Season
We hope that you’ll have fun adopting some of these ideas and that they make Autumn and Winter a little brighter!
