Tips for an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Space

Summer is around the corner, and with it comes additional outdoor chores. Though you may already be green inside, there are additional ways that you can extend your green living to the outdoors. Here are a few tips on how to stay green while doing the upkeep on your outdoor space.

Tip #1: Mowing the Lawn

If you're like many Americans, then chances are, you probably own a gas-powered lawn mower. If you do, perhaps now is the time to switch to something a little less harmful to the environment. Consider investing in an electric lawn mower or a push reel mower.

An electric lawn more is more energy efficient than a gas powered mower. To be the most environmentally friendly while mowing your lawn, opt for a push reel mower. The only power it needs are your two legs pushing it along. Whatever you choose, both will decrease your carbon footprint (though a push reel mower will decrease your carbon footprint the most.

Tip #2: Rain Barrels

Having a green, healthy looking lawn does not necessarily mean that you have to water it often. Consider purchasing a rain barrel to harvest the rain water. You can then turn around and use that water to water your lawn, your garden or even your indoor plants.

Tip #3: Solar Lights

Instead of using electrically wired lighting in your yard, consider swapping them out for solar lights. Solar lights are readily accessible today and fortunately, they've also become extremely inexpensive. Many stores now sell them individually, so you can purchase as many (or as few) as you need. Use them along your driveway, your walkways, in gardens and anywhere else you need a little extra light.

Tip #4: Plant Native Plants

Instead of investing in a difficult-to-care-for tropical plant, consider planting native plants. Native plants are better adapted to your specific environment and are more likely to thrive easily purely because they are adapted to the area. Plus, you won't need to use additional fertilizers or special soils in order to ensure the plant's survival, again contributing to the overall "greenness" of using native plant species.

These are just a few suggestions on how to be more eco-friendly when working outdoors. There are, of course, many additional ways to be more eco-friendly outside, such as purchasing recycled furniture for your outdoor space, but these four tips will hopefully have helped to get your mind rolling.

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Additional Information

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint

Rain Barrel Guide: How to Use Rain Barrels