It’s finally Fall — time for cooler days, pumpkin-flavored coffees, and new beginnings. As the lazy days of summer come to an end and kids go back to school, many of us take Fall as an opportunity to start fresh. It’s the perfect time to clean out your garage, assess your finances, and get back on a routine to end the year on a strong note. For some of us, this involves making conscious changes in our lives to reduce our spending, and maybe our environmental footprint, too. Read on for some Fall-themed sustainability tips that are both green and budget-friendly.

Assess Your Home’s Energy-Efficiency

Colder temperatures are just around the corner. Fall is the perfect time to identify deficiencies in your home that will cost you real money. Does one room in your home feel particularly drafty? Consider sealing those windows or purchasing a draft stopper. Do you have the heat or air conditioning running all day in a room that is barely occupied? Look into getting a smart thermostat for your home. The average Energy Smart thermostat can save you up to 8% in energy costs per year.

You can also get a home energy audit for an expert opinion on how to make your home more energy efficient. Many states offer free home energy audits, including Massachusetts and New York. You can also take advantage of federal government programs such as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. This program provides a tax credit worth 30% of the cost of a home energy audit. Without state or federal offers and incentives, home energy audits tend to cost between $200 to $700, but they often save people much more than that once they make the recommended adjustments.

Eat Local, Seasonal Produce

Purchasing in-season fruits and vegetables is not just a tastier decision than buying transported, out-of-season produce. It’s also a decision that supports local farmers and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Think about the energy required for the transportation and refrigeration of out-of-season produce. That’s a lot of energy!

Farmers who focus on growing seasonal crops that are naturally suited to the local climate and soil type don't rely as heavily on fertilizers and pesticides, which is overall better for the environment. Buying local, in-season produce supports small farms. Smaller farms tend to practice more sustainable, regenerative farming practices that encourage biodiversity and maintain the balance of nutrients in the soil.

There are lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables to choose from in the Fall— pumpkins, apples, beets, and sweet potatoes are in-season. Find a local farm stand or farmer’s market to support local farmers and sustainable farming practices. Oftentimes, in-season, local produce is less expensive than buying transported produce at the grocery store, so you can save money while eating better!

Sign up for Community Solar — or Refer a Friend!

Community Solar is the easiest, most cost-effective way to support local, clean energy sources. When you join a Community Solar farm, you’ll save between 5 and 20% on electricity costs annually, depending on your state. There’s no cost to join, no installations, and you don’t have to be a homeowner. Enroll here to get started!

If you’re already a Community Solar subscriber, then you know that Community Solar is a great way to help the environment while saving money. But did you know that you can earn a $100 Visa gift card for referring a friend to Community Solar with Ampion? Log into your Ampion portal today to make a referral. When the person you refer completes their enrollment, you will each be eligible to receive a $100 Visa gift card.

Start Composting at Home

Did you know that as much as 24% of landfill waste is categorized as “municipal solid food waste”? This is an issue because food waste is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. If you’ve ever considered composting at home, but haven’t gotten around to implementing it in your household, Fall is the perfect time to start! Raked leaves, apple peels, old jack-o-lanterns, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and more can all easily be composted. Some cities and towns have their own compost collection sites or even pickup service. Worried about the smell of old food? Try putting your compost in your garage, outside with a lid, or in the freezer to reduce unwanted odors. Composting at home helps us to reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create nutrient-rich compost for farms and gardens.

Incorporating sustainability into our Fall routines is beneficial to the planet and our budgets. Let’s usher in the Fall season sustainably, and with some extra money in our pockets. Happy Fall!