As the colours of spring emerge, it's the perfect time to embrace sustainability and welcome change into our homes, gardens, and communities.
Spring Greening isn't just about beautiful blossoming flowers; it's a call to action for adopting sustainable solutions for a cleaner, greener environment, now and future generations. It's a time to think about how we can do things differently and embark on a journey of restoration and renewal; caring for ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
Join us on this journey, as we delve into the beauty the new season brings and cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
TIPS
SPRING GREENING IN THE HOME:
By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily lives, we can embrace the essence of spring while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
🌷 Airing out the house daily allows fresh air to circulate and helps improve indoor air quality, reducing the concentration of allergens and pollutants*. It also reduces the need for mechanical ventilation systems, saving energy too.
(*Remember to keep windows closed on high pollen days if you are an allergy sufferer).
🌷 Eliminate artificial scents such as air fresheners and scented candles and use environmentally friendly cleaning products to reduce indoor pollutants and keep harmful chemicals out of your home.
🌷Indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties, such as spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants can help filter out pollutants and improve indoor air quality. They brighten home the home, too 🪴
🌷 As the days grow longer and the warmer weather arrives, there's no better time to embrace the benefits of walking, cycling and wheeling. Leaving your car at home reduces emissions and contributes to cleaner air for everyone. Plus it's great for our wellbeing, too! Why not try a new route and explore your local green spaces in your local area.
SEASONAL ENERGY SAVERS
☀️ Take advantage of the longer daylight hours and open curtains and blinds to let natural light flood your home. Giving windows a spring clean also allows more light in and replacing light bulbs can save energy and money when the evening rolls in.
☀️ With milder temperatures, adjust your thermostat to reduce heating when unnecessary. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to adjust temperatures based on your schedule automatically.
☀️ Air dry duvets, curtains and other laundry outdoors instead of using a dryer. Not only does this save energy, but it also gives your clothes a lovely fresh scent.
☀️ Embrace change and switch from a gas cooker to an induction cooker to lower your bills and improve air quality. Induction cookers do not emit smoke, soot, or other particulate matter during cooking, making them a cleaner, greener alternative.
SPRING GREENING IN THE GARDEN:
🍃 Be mindful of wildlife while you tidy up your garden for spring planting. Watch for frogs, toads, and small mammals hiding under debris, and carefully relocate them to a safe area if necessary.
🍃 Hedgehogs are amazing at sorting out pesky slugs so keep them in mind and make your garden hedgehog-friendly. The RSPCA has some great advice on gardening in a hedgehog-friendly way.
🍃 Parsons Prickles in Morden is a small, home-run hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation centre which cares for local unwell hedgehogs. Get in touch with the team if you find a hedgehog in need of help 🦔
🍃 Inspect your garden for bird nests, insect habitats, or other wildlife shelters before trimming bushes or clearing debris.
🍃 Avoid over-pruning trees, shrubs, and flowering plants as they may provide important food sources, nesting sites, and shelter for wildlife.
🍃 Leave piles of leaf litter, fallen branches, and brush in a secluded area of your garden to provide a home for nature.
🍃 Choose non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products for garden surfaces and equipment.
🍃 Strategically plant trees and shrubs around your home to provide shade in the summer, reducing the need for air conditioning.
How will you be Spring Greening this year? Tag Sustainable Merton on social media to help inspire others! #MertonSpringGreening
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