With the trend of environmental consciousness gaining traction, a new breed of families is emerging — eco-conscious families. These are families who embrace environmentally-friendly practices right at home and have adopted sustainable approaches.
Among the many environmental approaches that eco-conscious families practice is the transition from traditional lawns to eco-friendly landscaping alternatives.
This includes looking at other ways to maintaining lawns and outdoor spaces. Eco-conscious families are starting to say goodbye to their lawns and hello to eco-friendly and sustainable landscaping.
The main goal of an eco-friendly landscape is to create easy to maintain gardens using native plants and incorporating features of unity and balance as well as incorporating features designed to conserve water. Eco-friendly landscapes focus on capture storm water, creating habitats that repel pests, and attract beneficial insects and animals.
What are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Landscaping?
When we decide to adopt eco-friendly landscaping practices, we make a knowledgeable move of supporting our children’s well-being and the environment they would grow in.
Eco-friendly landscaping offers many benefits for both your family and the environment.
Here are some of the advantages that eco-conscious families can reap from eco-friendly landscaping:
Water Conservation
One of the most significant benefits of eco-friendly landscaping is water conservation.
Traditional lawns abound with turf grasses that seep in lots of water. The USGA sponsored research that estimates turf grass is the largest irrigated U.S. crop, occupying about 31 million acres all over the country.
By replacing turf grass with drought-resistant plants, the need to water your lawn would be minimized, thereby, conserving water. This is especially beneficial in areas that suffer from water shortages from time to time.
In an EPA water conservation study, it was found out that outdoor water usage amounts to about 30% of the overall usage of residential establishments. Although outdoor water usage includes car washing, pools, and cleaning, the primary factor in this value is turf and landscape irrigation.
In a world where water scarcity is becoming an increasingly important issue, eco-friendly landscaping can significantly reduce water consumption. And we will be doing our part in contributing to water conservation and a more sustainable future.
Creates a Habitat for Many Beneficial Insects and Animals
By turning your turf grass lawn into an eco-friendly landscape, you help create a natural habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators. A diverse ecosystem would encourage these animals to thrive and promote biodiversity right in your home.
Eco-friendly landscapes attract a diverse array of beneficial insects, birds, and animals that play crucial roles in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. By cultivating a variety of plants, we help save them from extinction.
Reduces Labor Costs
Maintaining a traditional lawn can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Most turf grass lawns require regular mowing, watering, and weed removal.
The necessary upkeeping and maintenance require labor and time. A study on lawn care and gardening activities in the US noted that, in 2017, the average amount people spend is about $503.00.
On the other hand, eco-friendly landscapes require less maintenance. When you have native plants and succulents, you’ll spend less time mowing and weeding, as these plants can thrive on their own and do not require much human intervention. This not only saves us time but also reduces the need for costly landscaping services.
Improves Soil Health
Organic gardening practices enhance soil health. At the same time, native plants improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
Leaves and branches falling from your plants can be used as mulch and compost that would enrich the soil with nutrients.
Additionally, plants in an eco-friendly landscape do not require pesticides and fertilizers that could destroy the balance of nutrients in the soil. These chemicals can likewise pollute not only the soil but also can seep in to water sources, causing pollution therein too.
Provides Food on the Table
Eco-conscious families also love incorporating vegetable and herbs gardening into their yards. These plants provide them with fresh vegetables, herbs, and other homegrown produce.
Besides the from-garden-to-table benefit, adding a vegetable and herb garden can reduce your carbon footprint and there would be less of a need to go to supermarkets and grocery stores to buy fresh produce.
Also when you have more produce than you can use, sharing them with neighbors and friends would be much appreciated. Or sell them at local farmer’s market to earn a few bucks on the side.
