It’s safe to say that spring is the season most associated with the color green — with new plants coming to life, with spring-break palm trees swaying in the breeze, with stunning paths lined with green grass you want to stop and have a picnic on. There’s a lot of beautiful greenery to admire from Westminster St. Augustine’s independent living community. But in addition to admiring the view, we can also go green — that is, make sustainable steps toward an eco-friendly future.
Caring for the environment is a great way to show some love to the planet and the people and communities who call it “home” — including yourself! So, let’s get started. Here are a few of our favorite ways to make small, sustainable changes that truly add up to something great — all from the comfort of your Westminster St. Augustine home.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The three R’s form the core tenet of sustainability. And remember, no effort is too small! Recycling is a great idea — not just for paper and plastic products you put into your bin, but also recycling in the more general sense of giving new life to items you would otherwise throw away. Can old clothes become a cozy blanket, for example, or serve as part of a care package for those in need?
Can old sauce or jelly jars be turned into DIY gifts for friends and family, perhaps, or hold countertop essentials in your bathroom?
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Soon, you’ll find your own one-of-a-kind ways to put sustainability into acting in your St. Augustine home.
Take A Walk Or Bike Ride To Your Destination
Sometimes, you need a car to drive to appointments and events that are too far to walk or bike to. Fortunately, Westminster St. Augustine residents have access to nearly everything they need right here on site — so if you’re able, consider taking a walk or bike ride to lunch, the fitness center, or wherever else you’re off to for the day! This is another of one of those sustainability swaps that isn’t just good for the planet, but for you as well. After all, the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature and too numerous to count!
Phase Out Single-Use Bags & Water Bottles
It’s handy to have disposable water bottles on hand — and many people like to keep a small stockpile in case of hurricanes, which the Sunshine State is known to experience from time to time. However, for everyday hydration, it can be helpful and more sustainable to reach for a reusable water bottle. Not only does this reduce plastic usage, but it can also be a great way to remind yourself to drink throughout the day; some bottles even have written measurements that help you track how hydrated you are. And similarly, a reusable cloth tote bag can be a great way to hold farmer’s market goodies and other odds and ends that you might pick up throughout the day.
It’s A Community Effort
Above all, sustainability doesn’t have to be a solo goal! In fact, making these sustainable steps with friends can be a great way to connect with loved ones and do something good for the environment in the process. For example, maybe you’ll attend a local clean-up event as a group, or maybe you’ll get into the habit of exchanging items with each other to give old clothes and household wares new life — thereby saving them from the garbage bin.
Make Smart Swaps
If you’ve ever heard the term “smart home,” your mind might have conjured up imagery of a futuristic 22nd-century home with a flying car in the driveway. But in reality, smart features are just technologically equipped to save you energy — which is good for the planet! These might include things like programmable air thermostats, LED light timers, and more.
We hope that these ideas help inspire you to enjoy a sustainable spring — and an eco-friendly summer, fall, and winter, too!
