 |
|||||
 |
|
||||
|
|
|||||
   |
|
Hoffman's Hopes You Have 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 environment usage, refers to the potential longevity of vital human ecological 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... |
| Rain - What Can We Do To Help? Recycle It! |
| Roughly 80% of rain water runs into sewers without soaking into the ground - Capture it! "Clean" it! And use it! This will help: |
|
- Reduce erosion on site
- Reduce erosion down stream by slowing the flow of run off
- Decrease chemical & fertilizer run off
- Slow down storm water run off to help prevent sewage plants from overflowing
- Clean or filter the water before sending it down stream |
| Water recycling systems can run from very simple designs (Rain Water Reservoir "Barrel" Kits available at Hoffman's Garden Center) to more complex (see diagram below - all components for this system also available at the Garden Center.) AQUATIC PLANTS are a natural & inexpensive way to "clean" the water. We DO NOT advise you to DRINK this captured & recycled water, BUT it is excellent for watering your lawn, plants, gardens or for washing your car, filling your pond & many other uses! Save $$$ on your water bill while you help save the planet! |
 |
| Use Native Plants in Your Landscape |
| When planning your yard or landscape, consider using plants native to 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. They also make a great sound barrier (against traffic, loud neighbors, etc.). |
| 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 You can fashion a compost "heap" of your own or Hoffman's Garden Center offers a simple, inexpensive compost container system. |
| Use Natural & Organic Products And Techniques for Landscape Maintenance |
| Try organic pesticides or fertilizers. This helps reduce harmful waste water runoff. To see the many organic pesticide & fertilizer options, stop into the Garden Center. |
| Try A Small INSIDE Garden |
| Harvesting your own fruits & vegetables is a great way to save $$$ & live in a more sustainable way. It is recommended to use natural and organic gardening techniques when you grow fruits & veggies. Hoffman's Garden Center offers a variety of organic soils & all-natural soil amendments. |
| CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE |
 |