Eco-Friendly Home Construction Projects For Your Backyard
When you think of eco-friendly living, what comes to mind? Most of us would probably focus on things we can do indoors. But in actuality, there are several ways you can live a greener lifestyle in your very own backyard. You don’t have to spend exorbitant amounts of time or money to make your backyard space more eco-friendly. By taking the simple approach, your outdoor space can maintain its beauty while reducing any negative impacts on the environment.
Simple ways to incorporate a greener outdoor lifestyle include:
- Planting an organic garden filled with vegetables and fruits
- Using sustainable building materials
- Using eco-friendly fertilizers
- Create natural shade with deciduous trees
- Create a living roof instead of a new wood roof
- Recycle as much water as possible
- Plant greenery around the yard that will grow and cool the space
Compost Bins
An inexpensive project that you can do is to create a compost bin. In your bin, add grass clippings, coffee grounds, twigs, dead leaves and straw. Be sure to keep the mixture of materials moist at all times in a shaded area. In about one to three months, you will have a natural fertilizer to use in your garden. This is probably one of the most eco-friendly projects you can do at home. It will also reduce the amount of trash output each year for your household.
Recycled Glass
The use of recycled glass is another material used for eco-friendly projects. Use colorful glass in countertops, stepping stones, fountains, concrete benches and vases. It will be pleasing to look at as well as create a unique design project for you and your family.
Eco-Friendly Fencing
Upgrade your fencing choices with eco-friendly materials such as composite, salvaged wood, hedges, and bamboo. These are all positive green alternatives to traditional fencing. Bamboo is extremely sustainable and very durable. Composite is made from a combination of plastics and metals. Hedges provide privacy in place of a fence. Salvaged wood is aged wood that has a distinctive weathered look.
Go Solar
Landscape lighting provides a beautiful nighttime ambiance. The problem is that it can be quite expensive to purchase and install. An alternative solution is the use of solar lights. Powered by the sun, solar lights will maintain the necessary amount of lighting needed for your space as well as save on the electric bill.
Lawns
The most irrigated crop in America is grass. Even though it may be pleasing to see a nice, green, well-manicured lawn, it takes a great deal of water and pesticides to maintain such a sight. Try to reduce or completely eliminate the size of your lawn. This will not only help the environment, but also decrease your monthly water expenses. A better choice for your personal landscape would be drought-resistant plants that provide year-round interest. Such plants can offer just as much beauty and elegance as an area of planted grass.
Trees
It is important to think strategically and consider the local ecology when planting trees. The size, shape and how they interact with other plant life is important. For optimum efficiency, it is best to plant trees on west or south sides of your home. These trees can provide much needed shade during the summer. When their leaves shed during the winter, sunlight will stream through and naturally warm the home. Greenery will cool covered patio spaces more efficiently and eliminate the need for ceiling or standing fans.
Going green in your outdoor spaces does not have to be complicated. By making simple changes, your backyard oasis will do its part to save the environment by working with nature instead of against it. This summer, make it a priority to engage in eco-friendly home construction projects and live a greener outdoor lifestyle.
