It is becoming a more widely acknowledged issue that the protection of the natural environment closely relates to the health of people. Whether you live in the middle of the countryside or in a densely packed city, there are ways that you can make your outdoor space a more environmentally friendly one. Perhaps you have plenty of land to call your own, a simple backyard, or maybe even a balcony, but whatever it may be, it can be transformed into an eco-paradise with this simple guide.
Plant Choices
Plants are an essential part of the natural ecosystem. Flora and fauna coexist within a symbiotic relationship that requires a certain level of stability in order to function at its best. How you choose to decorate your backyard is up to you but the choices you make about which plants to introduce can make a huge impact. For example, native and non-invasive species are best for ensuring that your plants thrive in the local climate and attract native pollinators. If you aren’t particularly keen on the upkeep of plants, you can research varieties that don’t need much attention or care, letting nature take its course.
Fences and Gates
An easily overlooked yet equally important method of boosting the environmental friendliness of your outdoor space is to install fences and gates that are made from a more sustainable material. Just because some fences are made of natural materials doesn’t make them sustainable. This is because many timber forests are not run in a sustainable way. Instead, consider a greener option that will be more durable and therefore not require replacement as often. When you can trust that your fences and gates are going to stand the test of time, you know that your efforts are helping the environment.
Insects and Wildlife
As mentioned above, the plants you choose will impact the kinds of insects and wildlife that are attracted to your outdoor space. This will also depend on your location. Bug hotels are a great way to spark children’s imaginations and help to introduce useful insects to your garden where they can increase soil fertility and pollinate your plants. If you want to be particularly detail-focused, you can research precisely which insects are helpful and which are harmful to each of your specific plant types. For example, if you want to prevent aphids, then you could bring home a plant that attracts ladybugs, an insect that feeds on aphids.
Lawns
Having a lush green lawn might seem appealing at first, but once you start to dig deeper into how they drain resources and waste energy, then you might want to reconsider. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are equally pleasing to look at and even easier to care for. A wildflower meadow or overgrown grasses can make your backyard a haven for nature right on your doorstep. Of course, if you have a young family and would like some outdoor play space, then a lawn is a great option.