Sustainability Update

Celebrating the Small Steps Toward Sustainability

By Lauren Scott, BriarPatch Sustainability Coordinator

Let’s celebrate the small, mundane, ordinary actions made daily in support of a more sustainable world... actions like carrying reusables, composting, consuming less and supporting local commerce.

It’s often the big, flashy “sustainability” endeavors that get highlighted at BriarPatch: the solar carport, electric vehicle chargers, and, most recently, the natural refrigeration system in the new Auburn location. These are certainly noteworthy accomplishments. Plus, we can measure their value in kilowatts and pounds of greenhouse gas emissions prevented.

However, as much as sustainability is a measurable goal to be achieved, sustainability is a paradigm in which we make decisions compassionately with future generations in mind. This is to emphatically say that individual actions, intended to support this beautiful planet for all future inhabitants, matter immeasurably, no matter how small.

In celebration of the little things, here are a few cozy, winter ways to show reverence for our beautiful earth.

Dine Local at Home

• Seasonal winter produce makes for wonderful soups, roasts and baked goods. In the winter, eating in is a great way to warm your home and reduce waste.

Re-use Frequently

• Make time for your “fixit” list. Winter’s a great time to mend clothes, fix tools and service appliances to increase useful life and keep them out of the landfill.

• Consider wrapping gifts in fabric or reusable bags. • Carry a reusable mug for all your cozy winter beverages.

Insulated vessels also keep those bevvies warm longer.

Use Energy Moderately

• Cold at home? Before cranking the heat, bundle up with a hot beverage, sweater, pair of slippers and a cozy cap or hot water bottle. • It’s true that chopping wood warms you twice.

Unless you don’t have a wood stove, then it only warms you once.