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Hoffman's Hopes You Had A Great & Productive Earth Day & Arbor Day!
But remember, a healthy environment is not just a holiday celebration. It is something that we all must work at all year long...
..."Sustainability" is...
...a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. The term, in its envinronment usage, refers to the potential longevity of vital human ecologocial support systems, such as the planet's climatic systems, systems of agriculture, industry, forestry & fisheries, & human communities in general and the various systems on which they depend in balance with the impacts of our unsustainable or sustainable design. (Whew! Basically, it means we need to take care of our "home," the planet, & it will take care of us & those who come after us.)
Below are just a few ideas & steps you can take to not only help celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day, but to help "your environment" (& help you save money), the global environment, & help strengthen the "sustainability" of our planet & nature...
Use Native Plants in Your Landscape
When planning your yard or landscape, consider using plants native your area (in this case Ohio). These native plants have been adapted to our area, which means they will require less maintenance & water. They will also be more resistant to local pests & diseases than many exotics = Less need for pesticides. And these plants will be more prone to attract native wildlife & "good" or beneficial insects.
Plant Deciduous Trees to Reduce Energy Use
Deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves in the Fall) are a great way to cool the home, by providing shade = Reducing air conditioning costs during the summer. When these trees drop their leaves, they will allow sunlight to warm your home during Winter = Reducing the cost of a heating bill.
Plant Evergreen Trees to Block The Wind
Evergreen trees not only make an attractive, natural fence they create a barrier against cold winds that hit your home during the winter = Reducing the cost of a heating bill.
The Watering Of Your Plants
An efficient watering & irrigation system for you plants will conserve water & save you time & money.
Compost!
Compost keeps organic nutrients cycling from soil to plants & back to the soil. You can use "trash" from your home to return needed nutrients to the soil. Items like fruit peels, grass clipping, leaves, etc. are great materials to recycle & mix into garden soil. Composting has many benefits:
- Reducing waste
- Improving soil moisture retention
- Boosting plants’ immune systems
- Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers
Use Natural & Organic Products and Techniques for Landscape Maintenance
Try organic pesticides or fertilizers. This helps reduce harmful waste water runoff & creates. To see the many organic pesticide & fertilizer options, stop into the garden center.
Try A Small INSIDE Garden
