Autumn is here, but many areas worldwide are still experiencing summer-like temperatures. A “false autumn phenomenon” has also caused trees to change color and shed leaves far earlier than normal due to the trees’ efforts to conserve water during extreme temperatures and drought. Pollution is a major contributor to climate change, and its impact on autumn and seasonal shifts is an increasingly urgent issue worldwide. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by making changes to reduce global pollution and minimize the effects of disrupted seasonal changes.

How Pollution Impacts Seasonal Shifts 

Pollutants, like greenhouse gases and air toxins, contribute to an overall unhealthy ecosystem. Greenhouse gases from major carbon emissions and pollutants trap heat in the atmosphere, creating the greenhouse effect that warms the planet. January 2025 marked the warmest January on record, and 2025 is on track to be the warmest recorded year. Ice caps cannot survive in the warmth, destroying habitats for arctic wildlife and causing rising sea levels, which can have catastrophic impacts on global life.

Pollutants in the air and ecosystem also disrupt natural weather patterns, leading to unpredictable rainfall or droughts. Drier climates become more susceptible to large-scale wildfires. Erratic weather patterns also increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, like hurricanes. Hotter temperatures are deadly to humans and wildlife, particularly in the summer and during droughts.

Everyday Impacts of Seasonal Change  

Natural disasters’ increased frequency and intensity are major risks in vulnerable areas. Because of their unpredictability, they can be completely devastating and irreparable. Pollution can also have adverse health effects, including increased sickness, a risk of serious and prolonged diseases, as well as frequent headaches and breathing issues. 

Climate change can impact food supplies, too. Without the proper conditions, seasonal crops may not grow correctly, leading to a significant reduction in the availability of organic food. Changes in availability impact both humans and the ecosystem, and can significantly disrupt food chains. Species may go extinct without proper nutrition sources, further damaging the ecosystem.

Households will also feel the impacts of climate change in their energy bills. Temperature extremes outside lead to more energy usage in an effort to make homes livable. Homeowner utility prices rose by over 10% in 2022 and continue increasing each year. Increased energy consumption then contributes more pollutants into the environment, accelerating the issue even more.

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Home’s Impact

Climate change impacts daily living in multiple ways. Therefore, by making daily habit changes, you can also offset negative impacts on an individual level. These tips will help you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your everyday life.

Switch to Renewable Energy Sources 

Reassess your power consumption and look for sustainable options. Some providers may offer renewable energy plans for a fee. Consider installing solar panels either on your home or around your yard, like outdoor tables. Reflect on your consumption, being conscious about turning lights off when not in use or switching to “eco-friendly” modes on idle devices.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances 

Look for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances certified with the EPA electricity consumption standards. Appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, may have “eco modes” that use less energy and water. Run these appliances off your provider’s peak times — typically late at night or early in the morning — to save on water bills and reduce consumption.

Improve Home Insulation

Good insulation can reduce power usage by reducing heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Ensure your home has sufficient insulation and opt for sustainable products made from recycled materials or with reduced energy consumption.

Reduce Waste 

Take reusable bags when shopping to avoid obtaining single-use ones. Look for recycling symbols on plastic, aluminum and glass containers. Clean and recycle such containers properly. Rather than throw away old household items, like bottles and old clothes, look for ways to reuse or donate them. Invest in metal straws, reusable water bottles, dish towels and cleaning towels to reduce the use of single-use items around your home.

Garden Smarter 

Reduce food waste by using scraps as composting material for organic mulch. Nutrients from food enter the soil and support healthy plant growth. Incorporate integrated pest management techniques to discourage harmful bugs while encouraging helpful ones and biodiversity in your garden. Incorporate natural pest deterrents, like mint and garlic, to reduce harmful pesticide use.

Shop Locally and Ecologically 

Support your local economy and farms by shopping at farmers’ markets and participating in events, like farm-to-table dinners. Shopping local boosts the economy around you, gives back to your community and reduces carbon footprints from transportation. Buy from nearby shops and markets, when possible, and limit online shopping to offset shipping emissions.

Make Sustainable Changes Stick

Despite its importance, incorporating more sustainable habits into your everyday life may be easier said than done. While some changes are intended to reduce your energy consumption and save you on utility bills, there may be an upfront cost to overcome.

Switching to environmentally friendly practices often also comes at the expense of convenience. However, the long-term benefits of green practices are too significant to ignore. There are several ways to challenge yourself to ensure these sustainable habits stick: 

• You don’t have to change everything all at once. Start with something that doesn’t change your daily habits too much, like composting food scraps instead of throwing them out. Maybe the next change can be an extension or response to the first.
• Reach out to your community as a support network. Maybe you can organize community cleanups or petition your utility providers for more sustainable energy options. Accountability is a lot easier with group support.
• Assess what will be the hardest change for you to make and find ways to remove the temptation altogether. For example, if you love online shopping, cancel your subscriptions and remove the convenience.

You don’t have to be perfect, but every change counts.

Change Starts At Home 

The urgency of climate change is already here. While some may enjoy warmer winters or earlier fall foliage, these seasonal changes are symptoms of a much larger and more dangerous problem. Disrupted seasonal patterns from pollution and human interference need to be addressed as quickly as possible. You can make a change by incorporating more sustainable practices into your daily routine.