Yard Ideas to fight climate change & save the environment
In General
90 Consider an electric grille Read more
662 Ignite charcoal barbecues with an electric probe or other alternative to lighter fluid
1198 Use bamboo beer can holders
1243 Barbecue vegan
The Pool
122 Use a pool cover Read more
443 Install a new filter in your swimming pool Read more
444 Keep pool water temperature at 80 degrees
446 Install new energy saving pump for your pool
445 Use solar water heater for your pool Read more
447 Install a vinyl/foam cover to retain the heat in hot tub
745 Use pool pump timer and run your pump fewer hours
767 clean pump strainers and baskets
768 Avoid draining and refilling your pool
Water use
9 Harvest rain water for lawns and plants Read more
10 Replace lawn with less water using landscapes Read more
455 Reduce landscape watering schedule. Experts say that most yards are over-watered Read more
457 Plants grow slowly in the cooler weather. Reduce your watering schedule accordingly Read more
458 Turn off your automatic irrigation system when rain is predicted
460 Check sprinkler system on a regular basis to be sure it's giving you the right coverage.
461 Install a rain sensor device to override the irrigation timer of the sprinkler system
462 Use a "soaker" hose rather than a sprinkler, where possible Read more
463 Water in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation.
475 Stop using a hose to clean driveways and walkways wastes
477 Check all hoses, connectors, spigots for leaks. Install new hose washers when needed
588 Use permeable pavements and sidewalks Read more
693 Plant shrubbery that doesn’t need as much water Read more
753 Plant a rain garden Read more
840 Use watering can to water plants instead of hose Read more
1086 Follow your communities water usage restrictions
Garden and Grass
1. Grow a garden Read more
2. Use an electric lawn mower Read more
3. Remove your weeds by hand
4. Use natural fertilizers Read more
5. Use natural weed killers Read more
6. Use metal watering cans not Plastic
7. Use real stone or metal decorations in garden not plastic
8. Grow your own herbs Read more
9. Use wooden bird houses instead of plastic
10. Put up composting garden beds Read more And More
11. Build a greenhouse for year round growing
12. Use compost fertilizers in garden Read more And More
13. Plant native grasses and shrubs that do not require a lot of extra water Read more
14. Plant wildflowers in public areas to reduce mowing Read more
15. Use electric garden equipment rather than gas powered
16. Buy a push mower for your lawn and you won't have to drive to the gym anymore
17. Use "hand" pruners and yard tools rather than gasoline or electric-powered ones.
18. Keep yard equipment sharp and use less fuel
19. Dull cutting edges fray grass blades increasing evaporation from the grass plants.
20. If you reduce fertilizing the lawn, you'll water less & cut less frequently Read more And More
21. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches Read more
22. Leave lawn clippings after mowing to fertilize, use clippings for mulch Read more
23. Use a mulching lawn mower instead of bagging and carting off grass clippings.
24. Mulch planting beds to retain moisture and control weeds that compete for water.
25. Sweep the sidewalks and driveway instead of using a noisy, polluting blower
26. Plant native plants that are adapted to your area
27. Choose the small solar powered lights for your landscape lighting.
28. Choose a locally adaptable grass to grow
29. Replace grass with pathways in high traffic areas
30. Allow your grass to go dormant if necessary Read more
31. Create garden mini insectary Read more
32. Use recycled wood chips as mulch in the yard Read more
33. Create wildlife habitat in your yard Read more
34. Plant marigolds as a natural pesticide Read more
35 Never dump anything down a storm drain.
36. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly
37. Soil test before you fertilize Read more And More
38. Start an urban garden Read more
39. Buy metal and bamboo patio furniture
40. Use deck materials made from recycled plastics Read more
41. Buy your own hive: without bees the planet would last for only 60 years
42. Consider using elements of "foodscaping" instead of landscaping Read more
43. Raise chickens for their eggs Read more
44. Can your garden foods
45. Get to know your property and the creatures that live there
46. Use vinegar, salt and dish washing liquid to kill those weeds Read More
47. DIY Use Neem or garlic spray as natural insecticide
48. Use companion planting for pest control
49. Use pvc towers in small garden spaces Read More
Trees and Shrubbery
54 Plant a tree or two Read more
450 Plant evergreen trees to protect your home from the chilling winter winds.
451 Plant deciduous shade trees to shade house in summer and heat in the winter
1135 Build downspout planter box