How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in the Garden
Grow your own vegetables and fruits., Compost kitchen and garden waste., Plant trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers., Apply mulch liberally around plants and trees to conserve water., Use solar landscape lighting to conserve energy., Plant...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Grow your own vegetables and fruits.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you and your family will also save money on groceries and gas, and eat healthier, fresher, and tastier food. -
Step 2: Compost kitchen and garden waste.
Using compost is an inexpensive way to provide nutrients to your plants, flowers, trees, and vegetables.
It also reduces the amount of waste you're adding to the local landfill.
You can buy or make a compost bin, or simply use an out-of-the way corner of your yard.
Add anything biodegradable, including grass clippings, raked leaves, raw vegetable and fruit-based kitchen waste (not dairy products, meat, or processed foods) and some shredded newspaper or cardboard.
Turn the compost pile frequently and keep it slightly moist to hasten the decomposition process. , The less grass your lawn has, the less gas you'll consume while mowing it.
In addition, trees absorb carbon, which helps the environment.
In some areas, well-kept landscaping will also add value to your property. , Mulch also reduces weeds. , If you have a pond, use a solar-powered pond fountain. ,, Consider switching to a hand-powered push mower if it's practical to do so., Some of these grasses are also reported to choke weeds, reducing the need for chemical weed killers. ,,,,,, They generally require less fertilizer, need less extra water, and are less prone to pests, reducing the need for pesticides. -
Step 3: Plant trees
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Step 4: shrubs
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Step 5: plants
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Step 6: and flowers.
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Step 7: Apply mulch liberally around plants and trees to conserve water.
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Step 8: Use solar landscape lighting to conserve energy.
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Step 9: Plant shade-producing trees near your home to help cool the house during hot weather and block some of the wind in cold weather.
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Step 10: Replace air filters and perform other regular maintenance on your lawnmower
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Step 11: including keeping blades sharp
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Step 12: to reduce mowing time in order to save energy.
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Step 13: Plant slow-growing grasses that require less water and need to be mowed less often.
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Step 14: Collect rainwater in barrels and use it to water your garden
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Step 15: and plants.
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Step 16: Reduce the size of your yard by creating patios for outdoor living space
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Step 17: add a rock garden
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Step 18: or create a meadow of native wildflowers.
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Step 19: Use hand tools instead of electric- or gas-powered tools when possible.
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Step 20: Reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides you use on your lawn.
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Step 21: Lay soaker hoses to use as little water as possible
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Step 22: and only where it's needed.
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Step 23: Plant native plants that are well-suited for your area.
Detailed Guide
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you and your family will also save money on groceries and gas, and eat healthier, fresher, and tastier food.
Using compost is an inexpensive way to provide nutrients to your plants, flowers, trees, and vegetables.
It also reduces the amount of waste you're adding to the local landfill.
You can buy or make a compost bin, or simply use an out-of-the way corner of your yard.
Add anything biodegradable, including grass clippings, raked leaves, raw vegetable and fruit-based kitchen waste (not dairy products, meat, or processed foods) and some shredded newspaper or cardboard.
Turn the compost pile frequently and keep it slightly moist to hasten the decomposition process. , The less grass your lawn has, the less gas you'll consume while mowing it.
In addition, trees absorb carbon, which helps the environment.
In some areas, well-kept landscaping will also add value to your property. , Mulch also reduces weeds. , If you have a pond, use a solar-powered pond fountain. ,, Consider switching to a hand-powered push mower if it's practical to do so., Some of these grasses are also reported to choke weeds, reducing the need for chemical weed killers. ,,,,,, They generally require less fertilizer, need less extra water, and are less prone to pests, reducing the need for pesticides.
About the Author
Victoria Sullivan
Specializes in breaking down complex home improvement topics into simple steps.
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