Dig Deep
Four Easy Ways to a Greener Weekend
You recycle. You love your refillable water bottle. You buy organic (when you can) and shop with reusable totes (most of the time, anyway). It’s actually pretty easy being eco. But you can always go greener. And have some fun while you’re at it! Why not start this weekend?
Origins has helped plant over 600,000 trees around the world with our partners at Global Releaf.
Host An Ultra-Local Dinner Party
It’s not hard to get everything you need for a tasty night in at your neighborhood farmers’ market.
Studies show walking outside lowers stress hormones and can reduce the risk for depression & anxiety.
Buying local food from local farms helps maintain green space in your community while supporting the local economy. Plus, it reduces the number of greenhouse gas emissions required to get your food from its source to your plate. And it tastes way better because it’s seasonal and super-fresh. Like picked within 24 hours fresh. Which also means it’s more nutrient dense. Find farmers' markets near you on the U.S. Department of Agriculture site or the Farmstand app.
Take A Walk In The Woods
How can taking a walk help the planet? Spending time in Nature makes you appreciate Nature. Which will inspire you to be greener even when you’re not basking in the beauty of the outdoors. Hiking advocates say a stripped-down approach to fitness can lead to a more minimalist approach elsewhere. You don’t really need stuff to hike; so you might eventually realize you don’t need as much stuff in general. Studies show walking outside lowers stress hormones and can reduce the risk for depression and anxiety. Then there’s the simple logistics: If you’re out in nature, you’re not driving your car or inside your house (using electricity). And if all that’s still not enough, why not leave the trail cleaner than you found it? Bring along a (reusable) bag and pick up any trash you see. Visit AllTrails.com to discover trails near you.
Community gardens are a great way to enhance your 'hood, get to know your neighbors & help clean the air.
One large tree has a cooling effect on the earth equivalent to 10 window air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.
Work In A Community Garden
They don’t just beautify the block. Community gardens are also a fun way to get to know your neighbors, help improve the air you breathe—plants can capture airborne pollutants and filter noxious gases—and experience the thrill of self-sustainability as you grow a few things for yourself (flowers, maybe a little zucchini). Gardening can also be a mindfulness-encouraging form of meditation. And bonus! It can burn 200 to 400 calories an hour. Find a community garden near you, or learn how to start one at CommunityGarden.org.
Plant A Tree
Trees—they’re real workhorses. One large tree can provide enough oxygen for two adults and has a cooling effect on the earth equivalent to 10 window air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. Troubling, then, that estimates put the loss of urban trees at four million a year. That’s why regular replanting is essential. Since Origins’ partnership with reforestation non-profit Global ReLeaf began, we’ve helped plant more than 600,000 trees around the world.
Breakneck Ridge, NY.
Our trees help keep air & water clean, feed & house animals and repopulate areas damaged by wildfire, pests, disease, deforestation, natural disasters and more. To get involved or donate, visit American Forests. Or plant your own. The Arbor Day Foundation will suggest and sell you the type of tree best-suited to where you live. You don’t even need your own yard. Many cities, like New York and Seattle, encourage street tree planting (they require a permit so check with your town or city hall). Urban planting organization Trees for Cities also takes volunteers.