Sustainable Strategies for Managing Seasonal Changes

Seasonal fluctuations can put a huge strain on homes, local infrastructure and any technology exposed to the elements. Sudden swings in temperature can lead to destructive climate events like wildfires, while cold snaps can undermine the effectiveness of the energy grid. 

Dealing with seasonal changes sustainably should be your top priority as a climate-aware citizen. Finding low-impact ways to mitigate extreme temperatures and navigate high humidity can keep your family healthy, while reducing your impact on the world at large. 

Some sustainable strategies can improve your well-being, too. For example, taking steps to manage seasonal affective disorder is sure to raise your spirits, while proactively harvesting rainwater will help you form a gardening hobby that can keep you healthy and allow you to grow some fresh, sustainable produce for your plate. 

Spring

Emerging into spring after a long winter can feel like drawing a deep breath for the first time in months. The world seems to awaken as the days lengthen and the spring bulbs push through the ever-warming earth. However, if you’re an avid gardener, you should take some proactive steps to ensure your yard remains eco-friendly and sustainable, like: 

• Only using peat-free compost to combat climate change;
• Using rainwater harvesting systems to minimize water wastage;
• Utilizing companion planting to mitigate the use of pesticides; 
• Planting local flowers and produce that support the environment, while requiring minimal maintenance. 

Making the most of your garden in the spring is the best way to reduce your food miles and manage seasonal fluctuations in food availability. You don’t need to buy oranges from Spain, when you’re growing citruses in your backyard. You can embrace the seasonal flow of life by pottering away in your vegetable patches and flower beds.

Summer

Global warming means summers are getting hotter and heatwaves are lasting longer. This worrying trend presents a serious threat to the health and well-being of millions, as more folks are exposed to high heat than ever before. As a homeowner, you can take proactive measures to sustainably protect yourself against record temperatures by transforming your house with eco-friendly technology like: 

• Passive solar;
• Solar panels; 
• Trombe walls;
• Smart technology to regulate temperature controls. 

These sustainable solutions minimize your impact on the world, while keeping your home cool. Investing in solar panels will save you cash in the long run, too. Today, you can use calculations from the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy to figure out your payback time when spreading payments over four, six or eight years. 

AUTUMN

As summer temperatures dip, you should focus on preparing your home for winter. Proactively cleaning air filters, upgrading insulation and checking your gutters will pay dividends when the winter months roll around. You won’t want to re-insulate your home or install double-glazing when temperatures are below freezing. 

You can also take a few sustainable steps to remedy seasonal affective disorder, before the winter blues have a chance to take hold: 

• Install human-centric lighting by using LED lights to imitate the Earth’s natural cycles. 
• African violets, spider plants, begonias, and peace lilies thrive indoors and help brighten up your home. Plant them in the fall to ensure they get plenty of light to help them grow before winter sets in. 
• Paint your walls with light tones to increase the natural light in each room. 

You also need to ensure your home is safe in the fall, as you’ll be spending plenty of time indoors in the months to come. Eliminate any household risks with dangerous health effects by throwing out toxins or chemicals you may have stored away, removing mothballs and replacing air fresheners with sustainable alternatives. You should also get boilers and gas-powered space heaters serviced, as these can present an exposure risk. 

Winter

The cold winter months present a series of challenges. You must ensure your heating units are in good working order before the temperature plunges. You’ll also want take measures to reduce your energy usage when the cold, short days roll in. While you should never risk exposure to extreme cold in your home, you can take a few energy-saving tips like: 

• Only heating the rooms you use; 
• Keep curtains drawn and make a draught stopper for your doors;
• Pick up some radiator reflectors, if you live in a home with radiators. 

Keeping rooms warm, with energy-saving tips, will reduce your monthly bill and minimize your energy use. However, drawing windows and shutting curtains could build up humidity in the room. High humidity will lead to mold growth and worsen respiratory issues like asthma, if left unchecked. You can control indoor humidity in your home by: 

• Running dryers on low heat to prevent evaporation; 
• Using exhaust fans and servicing your vents;
• Briefly opening windows for 10 minutes in the morning to reduce the humidity built up overnight;
• Installing a dehumidifier to suck water vapor from the air.

You can also use plants as an eco-friendly way to improve air quality, while brightening up your living space. A few houseplants can double as fresh decor and help you maintain your connection with nature even though you’re wrapped up in your sweaters and blankets. 

Conclusion

Embracing sustainable solutions can help you navigate seasonal changes and maintain a healthy living space throughout the year. Simple changes, like running your dryers on a lower heat and opting for peat-free compost, can reduce your bills and empower your efforts to lead an eco-friendly, sustainable life. Get started on saving today!