How To Make Your Yard Eco-Friendly
- June 19, 2008
- 5,647 Views
from
Carlo Scialla
(and 5 others) Subscribe
-
Writer
Rosemarie_Lennon
-
Director
Carlo Scialla
-
Voice Over Artist
Darcie Champagne
-
Music
Kris Lee
- Actor April McCullough
Who wants to inhale pesticides when you flip burgers in the backyard? Especially when creating an eco-friendly garden is fairly easy.
You Will Need
- Native plantings
- Drought-resistant flowers
- Trees
- A compost
- A manual lawn mower
- A gas grill
Step 1: Plant native vegetation
Plant whatever flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs are native to you area (your library or local gardening club can help). Because they have adapted to your area’s climate and soil, they will require less care—meaning fewer pesticides and fertilizers.
Save water by including drought-resistant perennials in your landscaping. Bonus: this can cut your water bill by 50%.
Step 2: Plant trees strategically
Plant trees strategically so that they provide shade for your home. They’ll cut down on the need for air-conditioning, plus saving energy and money.
Avoid planting trees on the south side of your home. During the winter months you’ll get more sunlight—and lower heating bills.
Step 3: Make fertilizer
Make your own compost by saving your fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, and coffee grounds; mixing them with equal parts dried leaves or grass clippings; storing in a closed, ventilated container; adding some soil; and turning on a regular basis.
If you must use commercial fertilizer, look for one that is phosphorus free.
Step 4: Use your own power
Pushing your lawnmower not only helps the environment (gas-powered mowers emit 93 times more air pollution per gallon than a new car!)—it also burns a whopping 480 calories an hour. Dump the leaf-blower and expend another 290 calories an hour raking leaves.
Leave the grass cuttings on the lawn to recycle nutrients.
Step 5: Give up charcoal
If you’re still barbecuing with charcoal, you’re not doing your lungs or Mother Earth any good. Natural gas is the least polluting way to fire up the grill.
Step 6: Enjoy
Throw a few shrimp on the barbie and enjoy your lush—and healthy—oasis!
Yard work is better than bicycling, aerobics, dancing, and weight training for maintaining healthy bone mass.
Something wrong? Report this How-To
Video is in Have the Best Yard on the Block (9 videos)
How To Use Less Water on Your Yard
- 6,096 views
- Jordana_Giorgio
How To Repel Ticks Naturally
- 9,854 views
- carlo_scialla
How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally
- 5,053 views
- Jordana_Giorgio
Comments (3)
Great suggestions! I really liked the mini composter you made out of the small bucket/lid. I live in the Colorado high desert and clearly understand the importance of xeriscape gardening. Hopefully, not only will people watch this video, but then take it one step further and implement some of the great ideas you've shared. Thanks for the video!
over 3 years ago by GreenTV
Yeah, your info about making the organic mini composter is great! Thanks for the video.
over 2 years ago by Jean_Yardworkerz
great idea!
over 3 years ago by Manjeera_Patnaikuni
Sign in or create an account to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends