The ‘ber months ignite something within me that other times of the year can’t compete with. Inspiration, renewal, rest, growth. It all seems to cultivate once the first of September arrives.
My 12 Sustainable Fall Goals
One of my favorite traditions is sitting down and thinking about the activities, goals, and miscellaneous things I want to do throughout the next season. Seeing as today is both the start of a new month and week, I thought it extra special to share this post with you.
I came up with twelve goals that excite me and push me to be more mindful of how I can practice sustainable living.
On Substack, I’ll be posting updates of each goal and sharing more under the new series, “Freshly Brewed”, where we can chat more about life as it happens, eco-fails, and of course coffee. Subscribe, here!
1. Get A Quote On A Lamp Repair
A few years ago I shattered my absolute favorite lamp. Luckily it broke pretty clean and ended up splitting into large chunks. I scooped those up and placed them in a bag that has sat deep within my closet since. This season I’m committing to calling local lamp repairers and asking for a quote. Part of why the lamp has stayed put is because I’m dreading the cost to fix my accident.
2. Apply For A Local Grant To Do A Furniture Project
I’m a C3 Leader and one of the perks is having access to unlimited grants up to $250 for sustainable projects. We have strict guidelines for how we can spend the grant money and what projects are accepted. The main goal for this stipend is to provide Chicagoans with a budget to make more sustainable lifestyle choices. C3 encourages creativity as long as it aligns with five main project categories: energy, green space, waste, water, or food.
In the past year, I’ve successfully completed eight projects! I’m hoping this will be my ninth. I’ve been wanting to learn how to extend the life of furniture, make repairs, and modernize pieces to transition with my style changes — instead of having to throw out/ donate those items and rebuy.
3. Log All Of My Clothes, Shoes, & Accessories
This morning I downloaded the app, INDYX, which digitizes user’s wardrobe. This month I want to 100% upload all of my closet/ dresser content into the app so I can track what pieces I wear and create new outfit combinations.
4. Sign Up For A Beginner Sewing Machine Class
I know, I know… I said I would do this last year and I didn’t. BUT, I promise this year I will. I found two studios within my budget and near public transportation so it is accessible for me to get to these classes and learn. Plus they’re offered to new students at a beginner level and have open registration starting soon for fall courses!
5. Go To The Electronic Recycling Day & Bring Items
I have a few broken chargers/ cords that a local town’s electronic recycling program will take off my hands, for free. Their next event is in October. I’ve already added it to my calendar and plan on going!
6. Research Alternative At-Home Coffee Waste Options
I love coffee. So much. To the point where my new friend introduced me to me to her friend and said, “she loves coffee more than anyone we know”. While coffee isn’t the same as plastic waste or pollution, it does have an impact on the environment and I want to see if there are any other steps I can take to minimize my at home coffee-making waste habits.
I already buy beans in bulk and use a machine instead of purchasing single cups from elsewhere. The cups I use are reusable and I’m not generating single-use waste besides the bean usage, per cup.
That being said, if there are even small tweaks I can make to be even more eco-friendly, I’m willing to learn and try!
7. Go To At Least 7 Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago Events
Last year I started Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago and went to almost all of the programming. However, it was hard to be in two places at once! This year, we are returning with triple the events and have something almost every day between September 27-October 5, 2025. My goal is to attend at least seven events!
8. Go Kayaking For A Trash Cleanup On The Wild Mile
When my volunteer group went kayaking along the Chicago River to clean up litter, it was one of the most fun experiences and impactful trash cleanups I’ve participated in. There are a few friends who I know would love to experience this. I’m going to make it a goal to plan a group kayaking clean up. But, if for some reason they can’t come, I’m going to stick by my goal and go solo!
You Might Like: 5 Tips For Your Next Neighborhood Cleanup Day
9. Donate Unread Books To A Local Little Free Library
I have three bookcase and despite all the shelves, there’s still NOT enough room to hold all my books. In all honesty, I have tons of books from my middle school and high school days that are collecting dust (literally). So, I think now is a good time to go through them and donate them to one of the community book drop offs/ little free library locations.
10. Ask 5 People To Add Points To The Resource Map I Created
I created a free resource map to connect people in need with organizations who offer services and support. I have tons logged in the city of Chicago and across various Illinois suburbs, but I’d love to populate the map to be more global.
I’m going to reach out to five people i know and ask them to add at least one point to the map and share it with someone else
Want to help? Click here to add a point to the map!
11. Take The Bus & L At Least 6 Times Each, Every Month
From September to December, I want to utilize the incredible resource that is Chicago public transportation. I also want to use this as encouragement to venture out to other neighborhoods!
12. Responsibly Dispose Of My Empty Beauty Products
For the past two years, I’ve been collecting empties so I can responsibly dispose of them. The empties bin is overflowing, so now is a great time to wash out the beauty containers and bring them to the local beauty recycling box so the brands can reuse the packaging.
Now that you’ve learned about my fall goals, what are yours? Do we have any in common? Comment below!
