6 Eco-Friendly Landscaping Ideas
Protect the environment!
With the rising concern of climate change and the detrimental effects to the environment – and consequently human health – there is a growing effort to reduce the carbon footprint. Use these six eco-friendly landscaping ideas to reduce emissions, improve sustainability, and limit the use of harsh chemicals.
1. Solar Energy
Solar Power System
Solar power systems offer clean power, a renewable energy source, low maintenance costs, decreased energy bills, and reduced emissions. Many states have programs where qualified homes can get a solar power system for free. Roofs that qualify get direct sunlight all day without the shade of trees and are typically south-facing. Consider companies that offer free systems to qualified homes in California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Solar String Lights
Transform any outdoor space with solar string lights. String solar lights around a fire pit, over a garden, around a deck, around a patio, or across a porch to elevate the space without electricity.
Conserve water with self-watering planters and add greenery and life to a deck, garden, patio, porch, or any small space. These are great for back-porch gardening in apartments or other living spaces without a backyard.
Avoid the use of harsh chemicals and consider creating a naturally mosquito-repellent planter with lavender and mint plants. Place the planters on decks, patios, porches, gardens, or any frequented outdoor living space.
4. Rain Irrigation System
Conserve water and save money with rain barrels by collecting water runoff from the roof and store it for later use as needed. They can be directly installed into the downspout for seamless and clean collection.
Install a water irrigation system from the rain barrel and use gravity with a timer installed at the base of the rain barrel to use the drip system.
Reduce emissions by using battery-powered lawn equipment such as a battery-operated mower, leaf blower, trimmer, or chainsaw.
6. Natural Fertilizers & Weed Killers
Use natural substances such as coffee grounds for fertilizing plants. Consider using other natural substances for gardening such as wood ash, grass clippings, composted tea leaves, banana peels, club soda, eggshells, salt, or vinegar, to name a few.
Ahna Fulmer is a world renowned transformation coach with a passion for helping others learn how to leverage imperfection to claim success. In 2018 she founded a leading DIY lifestyle blog, Hammers N Hugs, where she inspires visitors to reclaim their hearts and homes with DIY ideas, house renovations, and strategies for healthy living through her virtual fitness and nutrition business. She is a freelance writer for Wayfair and has been featured by Apartment Therapy, Home Talk, and Food Talk, to name a few.
