Sustainable Spring Activities for 2024

As the last chill of winter fades away and nature bursts forth with the new life of spring, it’s time to embrace the great outdoors and reconnect with the environment. In this blog post, we're excited to share five eco-friendly activities tailored for nature lovers and sustainability fans alike. From mindful gardening to plastic-free picnics, let's explore how you can make the most of the season while reducing your carbon footprint and nurturing the planet.

1. Start planning a garden

Spring is the season of new blooms when plant life begins to wake up from its winter slumber. That’s why this is the perfect time to start planning a garden, whether that’s turning a corner of your lawn into a wildflower meadow, or planting some herbs and flowers in a window pot. Not only is this rewarding for you and your family, but a sustainable garden is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your mental health, surrounding you with beautiful plant life.

The early spring months of March and April are good months to plant perennials and plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies. You can start planting potatoes and onions and sowing hardy vegetables, including broad beans, cabbages and carrots. Later on in Spring focus on preparing for summer by removing weeds and raking soil.

To take your eco-efforts to the next level, you can:

• Set up a compost heap to divert your kitchen waste and improve soil health.
• Research and practise the no-dig method which involves applying organic matter like compost which helps improve soil quality by recreating the natural processes of decomposition.
• Create your own natural pesticides, instead of using ones that contain toxic chemicals.

2. Create homemade bird feeders

Crafting eco-friendly bird feeders is a wonderful way to invite feathered friends into your outdoor sanctuary while minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainability. By repurposing materials such as recycled glass jars, reclaimed wood, or natural fibres, you and your loved ones can create bird feeders that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape and provide safe and nourishing feeding stations for our native bird species

Just remember to:

• Opt for organic bird seed blends and homemade suet recipes free from harmful additives ensures that feathered visitors receive nutritious and pesticide-free meals, supporting their health and well-being.
• Positioning your eco-friendly feeders in strategic locations away from predators and reflective surfaces further enhances their safety and effectiveness, allowing both birds and bird watchers to enjoy.
• Spend time each week making note of which bird species you see at your new bird feeders, you might start noticing some interesting patterns.

3. Organise a plastic-free picnic

Spring is the perfect time to swap single-use plastics for sustainable alternatives and enjoy eco-friendly picnics in the great outdoors. Whether it’s with your friends or family, having a picnic in a park, green space, or even your own garden, is a great way to spend time together.

Make sure it’s an eco-friendly picnic by:

• Packing your reusable utensils, plates, and napkins to minimise waste and reduce plastic pollution.
• Choosing locally sourced and organic ingredients when planning your picnic spread, supporting regional farmers and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.
• Choosing durable and eco-friendly picnic baskets or backpacks made from natural materials like wicker or recycled materials.
• After your picnic, be sure to dispose of any waste responsibly and leave the area cleaner than you found it.

4. Head out on a bike adventure

With the warmer spring weather comes the chance to spend more time outside, so why not embrace sustainable transportation and explore the countryside on two wheels with a scenic bike ride? Dust off your bike and plan cycling routes through picturesque landscapes, coastal trails, or urban greenways. Cycling not only reduces your carbon footprint is also a fantastic way of improving your cardio. This doesn’t have to be a weekend activity either, cycling to work is a great alternative to driving!

Remember to always follow road safety guidelines, wear a helmet, and respect other road users while enjoying your eco-friendly adventures on two wheels.

5. Eco-Friendly DIY Projects:

Unleash your creativity and embark on eco-friendly DIY projects that celebrate the spirit of spring. Upcycle old jars or containers into stylish plant pots for your indoor herb garden or succulent collection. Get crafty with natural materials like recycled paper, cardboard, or fabric to make homemade greeting cards, artwork, or decorative crafts inspired by the beauty of Spring. Why not get the whole family in on this hobby by joining in on a group DIY project, fostering a sense of community and helping your kids for the planet? By repurposing materials and embracing sustainable creativity, you'll reduce waste and spread the joy of mindful making.

6. JOIN A RIVER CLEAN-UP:

The UK’s rivers and streams are one of the most important parts of our ecosystem, allowing plants, fish and birds to flourish. Joining a river clean-up provides a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the preservation of these vital freshwater ecosystems and mitigate plastic pollution in waterways. By helping remove litter and debris from riverbanks, you can help ensure aquatic life can flourish. These efforts also raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste management and stewardship of natural resources. Just be prepared to get a little wet!

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Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish, easy, and usable alternatives to common plastic products around the home. We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop oursustainable home & lifestyle products on our website, or discover our fullon-the-go collection.

Share your plastic-free swaps with us athello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram#wildandstone.