Earth Conscious Ways To Get Rid Of Your Halloween Pumpkins
Putting your rotting jack-o-lanterns outside for the squirrels and deer to munch on is not the only way to earth-conscious way to get rid of your Halloween pumpkins. It’s the best way, but not the only way. When it’s time to bust out the Christmas decorations and the general fall decor is finished it’s crushing time. I like to take the pumpkins outback with a sledgehammer and break them apart so it’s easier for the rabbits, squirrels, and deer to munch on. To be honest, I’m not even sure they like the way the pumpkins taste. There are other ways to get rid of your pumpkin instead of millions going to a landfill, which is where they would decompose anyway right? According to Homes and Gardens, you can do a few things with your pumpkin to keep it out of a landfill:
Bury it – If it’s a jack-o’-lantern and has a face on it, maybe you can hold a funeral for it too before you bury it. Say some nice words about it. Maybe it’ll grow into a pumpkin tree.
Donate it – This isn’t a bad one, since animal shelters can use it for feeding their animals. Make sure you’re donating it to a place that can use it, otherwise, you’re just giving someone else your trash to throw away.
Make it into a bird feeder – Leaving it out in your yard smashed, or cut in half works. In the article, it says Blue Jays and Cardinals like pumpkins. They also said to hang smaller ones from trees as you would any normal bird feeder.
Cook it – Na. I’m good, but you can try.
Click here for the full explanations and write-ups on zero-waste pumpkin disposal.
If you enjoy hearing ridiculous lists we didn’t need, check out this old Ricky Gervais bit from a past stand-up special. It’s the best most ridiculous list and Ricky makes it even better. OF COURSE THIS VIDEO VERY NOT SAFE FOR WORK. So not safe for work I spelled out the abbreviation for you so there is no confusion.
9 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day In Philadelphia
Bike To Your Destination
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Philadelphia is such a bikeable city. Whatever your destination may be, you should try to lower emissions and ditch your car for a different ride. Especially if t6he forecast calls for nice weather. Take the bike lane and release less junk into the atmosphere.
Plant A Tree
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PHS is hosting a tree planting event from April 20th through the 24th. Join the over 80 neighborhood-based Tree Tenders groups and help plant 1,400 trees across the region. No planting experience is necessary! The full details are at phsonline.org. Joining their Tree Tenders program will help you get out in the fresh air and make a good difference.
Go To The Spring Fling Market
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Sor Ynéz will celebrate Earth Day with Spring Fling Market on April 22nd, from 11 am to 4 pm. Taking place on the restaurant’s patio, the market will encourage you to get outside and celebrate local artists. Shopping local also means shopping sustainably. It will be good to get some goodies without impacting the environment negatively.
Find A Farmers Market
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There’s nothing better than fresh produce. Especially when its been grown locally and sustainably. With a small bit of research, you can find the hours and schedule of local farmers markets in the area. Luckily, when Earth Day falls on a Saturday, these fresh food markets will likely be open!
Help Clean Up
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Let’s Go Outdoors and Friends of the Wissahickon have partnered up for an Earth Day Craft and Litter Pickup event. But there are also others all over the area. Helping keep your neighborhood clean will make life better for all. By helping to pick up litter in public spaces, you make it a cleaner Philadelphia for everyone.
Take A Break From Online Shopping
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When something comes for you online, it comes in a box, padded by plastic filler, wrapped in more plastic. When you begin to unravel it all it just feels like a lot. Taking a break from online shopping, even if just for a day, will help to impact the Earth in a positive way. You’ll be helping to reduce plastic waste.
Celebrate Trails Day At A Local Park
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Celebrate Trails Day is also on Earth Day. How fun is that? You can give back to the Earth by getting out there and experiencing it in its purest form. Nature walks are a great activity for you and your family. Local parks participating in Celebrate Trails Day include the Tacony Creek Park Trail, Forbidden Drive, Cobbs Creek and the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.
Go To A Museum And Learn
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Museums like the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia are insanely valuable. Their interactive approach helps abundantly in teaching about environmental issues. Their exhibit on the climate is impressive. You will walk away knowing so much more about your own environmental impact.
Get Your Kids Involved
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Start ’em young, people always say. And it’s true. If you get the children in your life involved in helping the environment now, we will raise a more conscious generation! We’re already making leaps and bounds to help our planet. Who’s to say that little hands can help out as well?
