Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
A reminder from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Reduce the amount and toxicity of trash you throw away and reuse containers and products.Recycle as much as possible and buy products with recycled content.
Recycle, reuse or repurpose items as yard art.The concept of reduce, reuse, and recycle is equally important for household hazardous waste and industrial materials.
Household Hazardous Waste: Improper disposal of leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.
How to recycle lights and light bulbs.Eat Healthy
Grow a garden in your own backyard, on your patio, in a grow box, etc. Learn more:Exercise Outdoors
You know the deal: move, exercise, lose weight, get healthy, etc. Here's how:- Let's Move Outside
- Inspired by the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Be Out There! campaign, encourage your children to play in your yard or nearby park. Engage them with one of these top 10 outdoor toys. Better yet, play with them.
Lose the Lawn
If you live in a region that experiences drought, get rid of your lawn. Think about it: what do you use it for, anyway? Cartwheels? Picnics? Croquet?Explore the many lawn alternatives, like native plants, various paving materials, bark mulch, pebbles, sand, etc.
Resist Impulse Buying
Resisting the urge to buy something doesn't just apply to shoe sales. I was at the outlet of a favorite home and garden retailer after Christmas, where I spied a single outdoor chair, outdoor pillows, containers and vases that were drastically reduced. I liked their modern designs, colors and price tags. Did I need them? No. Did I really want them? I talked myself out of it. Will my patio, deck or yard be lacking without these items? Again, no.The same buy-what-you-need rule goes for plants and landscaping, also. I'll bet I'm not the only person who still has a few plants in their nursery pots, waiting for a spot in the ground or in a container. Prep and plan first, then buy.
Mulch
Mulching is a simple thing to do in the landscape that can reduce water use and improve the health of your plants. It's one of those win/win situations.Compost
Practice composting by using microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi) to decompose organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings. There's no law that says you must start composting on January 1st. You can start any time. Confession: this is on my list, meaning I have not yet leaped into the compost pile. Ask me in a few months.Plant for the Right Zone
Tropicals in Maine? Palm trees in Minneapolis? If you aren't sure what goes where, consult a zone chart.Do It Yourself
If you're reading this, chances are you have at least considered doing it yourself, otherwise known as DIY. Whether it's landscaping, simple gardening, pool maintenance or a few exterior touch-ups or repairs, consult a home repair book or a website (like About.com) before hiring someone for a simple job you could very well accomplish yourself. Who knows -- maybe you'll learn a new skill.For bigger jobs, use your smarts and know how to find the right contractor for the job.
