There are plenty of articles about improving your home’s eco-credentials but have you ever considered how your yard could be causing issues for the planet?
There are so many things we do inside and outside our homes that can have an impact on the planet but have you ever wondered how your yard could have a negative impact?
The garden is a surprisingly potent force for good, and there are numerous ways that homeowners can help to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their eco-credentials.
Here are some ways to improve your yard to help the planet.
This means mowing your lawn, tidying up any trash, raking leaves, and keeping on top of maintenance.
Keeping your yard tidy will help the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mowing, especially with gasoline engines, can produce more air pollution than driving a car or truck, and garden tools such as lawnmowers and chainsaws also produce fumes.
Switching to an electric riding lawn mower can really help to improve your carbon footprint in the garden.
Switch to drought-tolerant plants in your garden.
By choosing plants that are well-suited to your climate, you will help to reduce your need for water.
All plants need water, but some require more than others. By switching to native, drought-tolerant plants in the garden, homeowners can dramatically reduce their water consumption.
Plant hedges instead of using the grass for your garden.
Hedges can be much more effective at keeping the garden free of weeds and they also provide privacy. They also look much better than grassy gardens to the casual observer.
Turning your lawn into a hedge could also reduce the amount of water you need to use for watering.
Create a little nature inside the garden using planter boxes.
Planting vegetables, fruits, and even flowers in planter boxes help to provide food for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, as well as adding a little nature to your garden.
Plant native flowers and shrubs in containers so you can maintain them every day.
Native plants require less water, need less development to thrive, and don’t need as much fertilizer.
Switch to naturally-derived products in the garden instead of chemical-based fertilizers and insecticides.
Insects are a natural part of the ecosystem, but their overpopulation can be problematic for homeowner’s gardens and other crops.
By using naturally derived pesticides and fertilizers, homeowners can reduce their footprint and improve their eco-credentials.
If your state allows, install rain barrels in your yard to collect rainwater from the gutters to use for watering your plants.
Installing a rainwater collection system can also help to reduce your carbon footprint as the water doesn’t need to be pumped from a well.
Set up a compost bin that will break down all of the organic material that would normally go into a landfill.
