What to Do with Your Autumn Decor: A Guide to Giving Back
As autumn fades and the Halloween festivities come to an end, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of seasonal decor—think pumpkins, gourds, and vibrant fall foliage. Rather than letting these items rot away, consider repurposing them for a good cause! Many of these decorations can be donated to local animal sanctuaries and farms, providing nourishment and enrichment for various animals. Here’s a guide on how you can make the most out of your autumn decor while giving back to your community.
Donate Your Pumpkins
One of the most iconic symbols of autumn, pumpkins can provide a nutritious snack for animals like pigs, goats, and sheep. Uncarved pumpkins are especially welcome, as they are safe and healthy for a range of farm animals. In fact, Strader’s Garden Centers donates their gourds to Harrison Farm and Sunrise Sanctuary, helping support local animal residents. If you have leftover pumpkins from your porch display, consider contacting farms or sanctuaries in your area to see if they accept donations.
Offer Your Gourds
Like pumpkins, decorative gourds are not only visually appealing but also edible. Many animals enjoy munching on these nutritious treats, so don’t hesitate to donate any leftover gourds from your fall decorations. They can serve as a tasty snack for goats and sheep, contributing to their health and well-being.
Get Creative with Corn Stalks
If you’ve adorned your patio with corn stalks for a rustic look, consider that they can also be beneficial for animals. Dried corn stalks can be fed to goats and other livestock, providing them with fibrous material that is good for their digestive systems. Before tossing them, check with local farms to see if they can use this natural decoration as feed.
Recycle Dried Corn Cobs
Often used in fall displays, dried corn cobs can also find a second life as animal food. Many farm animals, particularly chickens and goats, enjoy eating corn, making these cobs a perfect treat. Instead of discarding them, consider donating any unused corn cobs to a nearby sanctuary.
Hay Bales for Feeding and Bedding
If you’ve used hay bales as part of your autumn decor, don’t let them go to waste! Hay can serve as both food and bedding for a variety of farm animals. Contact local farms to see if they need any hay bales for their animals or for use in their barns.
Freshen Up with Apples
If you’ve included apples in your autumn decor or displays, consider sharing them with local animals. Unspoiled apples can be a delightful treat for goats, pigs, and other animals. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to give your leftover fruits a second chance.
Sunflowers for Animal Treats
Dried sunflowers not only add a cheerful touch to your autumn decor but can also be given to animals. Their seeds can serve as a healthy snack for birds and other wildlife. If you have dried sunflower heads left over, consider donating them to local sanctuaries or farms.
Squash and Cabbages
If you’ve used other varieties of squash or cabbages in your fall decor, these can also be suitable for animal consumption. Many farm animals enjoy squash, and whole cabbages can make for a delicious treat. Donating these items can contribute positively to the diets of local farm animals.
Get in Touch with Local Sanctuaries
Beyond these items, many autumn decorations can be creatively reused in animal sanctuaries. Check with local farms and sanctuaries in your area to find out what they accept and how you can help. Whether it’s through leftover decor or natural items from your yard, you might be surprised at how your autumn decorations can support local wildlife and farm animals.
By giving your autumn decor a new purpose, you not only reduce waste but also contribute to the well-being of animals in your community. So, as you pack away your fall decorations, take a moment to think about how you can make a difference this season!
