Do you want to get through spring as sustainably as possible? Then you've come to the right place! When the cold, dark winter months come to an end, spring is the ideal time of year to integrate sustainable changes into your everyday life with fresh energy.
Nature is awakening - and with it, countless opportunities are opening up to conserve natural resources and protect our own environment. improve our ecological footprint. Whether in the garden, during spring cleaning or during your leisure activities.
In this article, I'll give you simple but effective tips and ideas to help you make your spring sustainable. Let's go!
1. Grow your own fruit and vegetables
Use the start of the gardening season to plant herbs, vegetables or fruit in raised beds (is available here*) to grow. The saves packaging, transport routes and you know exactly what's in your food. What's more, it also works on the balcony - and you also save money in the long term in the process.
At the beginning of March, for example, you can Rhubarbr, lettuce, rocket, kohlrabi, radishes, onions, carrots, kohlrabi, broccoli and Cauliflower sow. (Seeds are available here*)
Book Recommendation: The book "Raised bed - What do I do when?" by Anja Klein* is a great annual planner and has helped me personally to better understand the optimal planting times.
2. Buy seasonal food locally
Through the conscious Purchase seasonal products you support local farmers and reduce CO2 emissions for transportation. What's more, seasonal foods are often cheaper, more nutritious and tastieras they are harvested in their natural harvest time.
Whether Radish, asparagus, spinach or mushrooms - just get yourself this seasonal calendar* and consciously buy produce that is in season from March to June.
3. Plant early blooming flowers, shrubs and trees
Native plants promote biodiversityas they provide food and shelter for wild bees, butterflies, numerous bird species and many other garden animals. At the same time, they need Less water and care than exotic plants. Ideal for the Natural garden!
The colorful and fragrant heralds of spring include early bloomers such as Snowdrops, umbellate milk star, meadow primrose, crocus and the Yellow daffodil.
In early spring after the frost and before the leaves emerge in March, you can also plant some native trees and shrubs plants that the Biodiversity serve. For example, the single-stemmed hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna; is available here*) or an apple tree. (Malus domestica; is available here*)
Pruning: Early spring is also the ideal time for small, gentle rejuvenating pruning so that your garden shrubs grow strong new shoots. From March 1 to September 30, however, heavy pruning of trees and hedges is prohibited according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act (§39) prohibited.
4. Start an environmentally conscious spring clean
Avoid harsh chemicals when spring cleaning and opt for environmentally friendly alternatives instead. Vinegar, baking soda and citric acid are, for example, waste-avoiding all-rounders among the natural household remedies.
Also with Refill products or old T-shirts converted into cleaning rags cleaning is much more sustainable.
If you're going to do a big clean anyway, then take the opportunity to clean your to free four walls from old burdens. Live more minimalist and get rid of things you no longer need. Sell them or give them away to people who can do more with them - and thus protect the environment. natural resources.
I can warmly recommend the motivating and guiding Online course "Clearing out made easy" from the household fairy* to the heart.
5. Make spring decorations from natural materials
If you are out and about in nature anyway, you can also use natural materials such as Twigs, leaves, flowers, stones or some moss into creative spring decorations.
Use these things, for example, for the best possible Environmentally friendly Easter and for the Plastic-free gift wrapping. Ideal for a sustainable spring.
6. Discover the awakening nature
Spring is the perfect time of year to get together with family and friends again. more time outside in nature to spend. At Walks, hikes or picnics In the countryside, for example, you can get some fresh air and relaxing sounds of nature enjoy.
Not only will you get to know your surroundings better, you will also also develop a stronger Environmental Awareness.
Tip: Spring is usually also the time when plans for longer vacations begin. Why not try this year Nature travel destinations in Germany to discover by train. Whether it's the Wadden Sea, the Bavarian Forest or the Mecklenburg Lake District - our local nature has a lot to offer!
7. Get your bike out of the shed
Use the change of season to get your bike in shape and leave the car in the garage more often. The Cycling has so many advantages: It is climate-friendly, keeps you fit and lets you experience more. It is also quiet and space-saving.
So check the tires, brakes and chain - and the Bike tours in the annual time of new beginnings!
Don't currently have a bike? Then take a look at the classified ads on the internet and in the newspaper or here at Fahrrad-XXL* um.
8. Visit the first markets in the spring air
Most art, flea and weekly markets open their doors in spring. An ideal excursion destination to find used treasures and Regional, seasonal food to buy unpackaged.
Among other things, this supports the local crafts and the Farmers in your area - and save resources at the same time.
9. Consciously avoid waste
Whether at the Picnics, at garden parties or at the weekly market Unfortunately, a lot of garbage is often produced in spring. Most of it is dangerous single-use plastic that is not biodegradable and endangers wildlife.
Fortunately, you can change that! For example, simply use these reusable cups* for your coffee, this Backpack made from marine litter* and these Fruit and vegetable nets* for plastic-free shopping.
Even with classic forks made of stainless steel or such drinking straws made of glass* you can really do a lot Avoid disposable cutlery. This is what a sustainable spring looks like.
Tip: You can find more inspiration and advice in the detailed articles called Zero Waste Basic Equipment and Plasticfree lifestyle.
10. Collect garbage while jogging or going for a walk
Spring lures many runners out of their holes. Jogging is already very environmentally friendly in itself. But how environmentally friendly would it be if you were also picking up litter? The corresponding trend sport is called Plogging - and combines exercise with environmental protection.
Just take a bag with you and collect any litter you come across along the way. This way, you can keep your surroundings clean and set an example for more at an early stage of the year Sustainability.
11. Start a creative do-it-yourself project
DIY projects are sustainable and individual: whether it's a Dining table made from old oak planks, a creative Raised bed from pallets, a Bird house from wood scrapshomemade cosmetics or the Upcycling old clothes into a carrier bag.
In this way, you also save resources by avoiding the need to buy a new one by give existing things a new shine. They have a second flowering season, so to speak, and therefore fit wonderfully into your sustainable spring 🙂
12. Buy spring fashion sustainably
The latest spring trends are already waiting? Then go for Durable, fairly produced clothing made from organic materialsinstead of relying on short-lived and environmentally harmful Fast Fashion.
Make sure you take a look at here online at Loveco* around. Furthermore Second-hand stores, flea markets and Clothes swap parties more great options to get your closet ready for spring in a sustainable way.
13. Use renewable energies in your home
With the awakening of spring and the first warm days of the year, the sun finally appears in the sky more often. So if you have the opportunity, you can solar panels on your house, on your garden shed or on the balcony install (is available here*) and generate truly sustainable electricity for your home.
Before major investments (e.g. for a PV system), you should definitely find out more about State subsidies from KfW inform
And from an ecological perspective, I can of course only advise you to do so, switch to a green electricity tariff. If you like, you can Make a green electricity comparison here now*.
14. Get the ball rolling in your community
Spring is the time for new beginnings. So how about making a sustainable commitment in your local area and supporting local environmental projects such as Community gardens, book boxes, plant swap meets or a Lecture series into being? Or if you have a Start an online petition against a specific grievance?
There are no limits to the imagination when it comes to strengthening cohesion in the neighborhood and creating a Statement for more sustainability on site to set.
Tip: Also use spring to initiate new habits in your own everyday life. For example, learn how to vegan barbecue or have a picnic. 🙂
Sustainable spring, made easy!
As you can see, spring is a wonderful time to use your own Make our lifestyle a little more sustainable. And with small but conscious steps you can ultimately not only protect nature, but also increase your own well-being.
So grab your bike, plant some flowers and shrubs - or start an exciting project that is close to your heart. Every contribution counts: Whether in the garden, when shopping and clearing out - or when traveling.
"Change is necessary like the renewal of leaves in spring."
Vincent van Gogh (more at Spring quotes)
I hope that my tips will make your spring a little more environmentally friendly! Do you have any questions or other ideas? Then feel free to share them with me in the comments.
Stay sustainable,
PS: I have also sent you some Ideas for a sustainable summer put together. As the next season is always just around the corner, you'll already be prepared 😉.
