What does the ideal environmentally-friendly home look like?
Most homeowners dream of a carbon-neutral property that can generate its own renewable energy. Unfortunately, the dream remains inaccessible for the majority of households. Granted, the technology to generate your own energy at home exists. However, it remains an expensive investment. Besides, depending on the size and needs of your households. You might find it impossible to be fully self-sufficient.
So, are there any more achievable alternatives to build an environmentally-friendly home? The answer is yes. You can start with your front yard to make it an eco-friendly space. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to go green.
#1. Stop driving polluting monsters
What’s the first thing you see when you look outside? Your car is parked on the driveway. So, let’s start your green front yard by considering your choice of vehicle. While electric cars are not always a practical solution depending on your mileage needs and budget, many other environmentally friendly options are available. Buying a second-hand vehicle, for instance, keeps manufacturing carbon footprint low. You can also make a conscious effort to pick vehicles that are less pollutant. Some of the worse vehicles for the environment are SUVs and pick-up trucks. They have a high carbon footprint throughout their lifetime, from when they are produced to when you drive them on the road. They are also fuel-inefficient, significantly draining the Earth’s resources.
#2. Help pollination
The pollination process is essential to the survival of plants and wildlife. Every year, insects and small birds transport pollen and support nature’s growth. As a homeowner, you can turn your garden into a pollination tool that will assist bees, birds, and other bugs. So, you can create a lush garden that will provide a source of pollen for the local wildlife. Enthusiastic gardeners can play an environmental role by keeping their front yard nourished and healthy. Solutions such as an automatic watering system and a seeding and fertilizing spreader are fantastic starting points. Unfamiliar with spreaders? Check this goplus broadcast spreader review that explains what to expect.
#3. Embrace brown grass
This might sound counterintuitive to let your grass go brown. However, pollination happens before the summer heat. During the summer, the grass saves on moisture and energy to survive. It looks brown and dry in the heat. But it doesn’t mean your garden is dead. On the contrary, the grass is keeping itself safe by saving its energy. While it is tempting to keep watering your lawn even in the middle of summer, you want to reduce your water consumption. Indeed, water shortage is a real risk in many areas during the hottest months of the year. The best thing you can do for the environment is to reduce the risk of waste.
#4. Add wildlife hotels
Creating a safe shelter for your local wildlife can let insects and animals know that they are welcome in your garden. You can build a bee hotel with small pieces of wood. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy the DIY project, you can also buy one in a garden center. Similarly, a few wood logs can become a cozy home for hedgehogs or small rodents, away from predators and protected from the weather.
Building an eco-friendly front yard doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s all about considering the choices that will support your local environment. Every household has the potential to make a big difference. So why not go green together?