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Eco-Conscious Tips for This Spring

Eva Riveros


The weather is finally warming up, and the sun has been shining consistently, at least on the East Coast of the United States. With this comes typical spring activities: gardening, picnics, and spring cleaning. This is the perfect time to appreciate the environment and take a minute to ensure you are participating in the season in a way that benefits both yourself and your local ecosystem. The following are some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and UCLA Sustainability to minimize your impact where possible. Minor changes to your normal spring routine may greatly reduce your environmental impact while you take advantage of the beautiful season.


Gardening

  1. Ensure that you plant the proper grass for your region. Different types of grass require more or less rain and sun to receive adequate nutrients, so choose grass suited for your climate so that you won’t have to use excess water to make up for differences in requirements.

  2. When mowing your lawn:

    1. Leaving the grass longer can help promote a healthier lawn and prevent pest and weed problems.

    2. Recycled grass clippings can be used as nutrients and moisture for the soil. Mulching lawn mowers can finely cut the grass clippings to reuse them as sustenance for the soil.

  3. Use natural alternatives to pesticides to minimize the impact of gardening on the environment. Some alternatives include:

    1. Diatomaceous earth - this can be purchased at most gardening centers and targets crawling insects.

    2. Neem oil - this can be purchased at most gardening centers and targets insects at all stages without harming bees, butterflies, ladybugs, birds, and other pets.

  4. Avoid the use of pesticides if possible, but if pesticides are necessary:

    1. Carefully choose the correct pesticide to address your specific pest problem and only use the product as directed.

    2. Read all labels and warnings on products carefully before use.

    3. Do not pour these products down a drain, as they will contaminate water treatment systems.


Spring Cleaning

  1. Properly dispose of any items that may be an environmental hazard, including but not limited to batteries, paints, household cleaners, pesticides, and oils. These items may have toxic, corrosive, or reactive ingredients and often need to be disposed of following specific procedures.

  2. Use natural cleaning products within your home where possible. Vinegar, baking soda, and plant-based castile soap are great substitutes for harsh chemicals.

  3. When cleaning your yard, make sure to compost organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, and food scraps. Composting reduces waste and methane emissions from landfills and can be used to provide beneficial nutrients to a garden.

  4. Donate any unwanted clothing or furniture.


Outdoor Activities

  1. Walk or bike rather than drive to minimize carbon emissions while getting outside and avoiding traffic.

  2. Visit a local park, botanical garden, or beach. Have a picnic with friends, spend the day outdoors, or take a tour of a local protected park. Make sure to clean up after yourself, support these sites, and learn about events that may be held.

  3. Join a park or beach cleanup, such as the ones organized by Seaside Sustainability. Cleanups are a great way to get outside, get involved with your community, and preserve your local environment!



Citations

  1. Alternative Pesticides | Sustainability. (n.d.). SLC.gov. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.slc.gov/sustainability/pesticidefree-2/alternative-pesticides/

  2. EPA. (2017, January 19). Springtime tips for the environment. EPA. https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/epahome/hi-spring.htm

  3. EPA. (2025, February 27). Composting | US EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/composting

  4. Seaside Sustainability. (n.d.). Coastal Cleanups. Seaside Sustainability. https://www.seasidesustainability.org/coastal-cleanups

  5. UCLA. (2025, March 6). Do a Spring Sustainability Refresh. UCLA Sustainability. https://sustain.ucla.edu/2025/03/06/do-a-spring-sustainability-refresh/




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