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Protecting the earth for the future starts with your patio and backyard
If Earth Day has you pondering ways you can help the planet, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to make a difference. If you want to celebrate Earth Day, aim to reduce your carbon footprint. We turned to BestReviews home improvement expert Beth Allen for Earth Day tips on creating an outdoor living space that will help you make the world a bit greener.
From solar-powered string lights to water-conserving gadgets and more, Allen’s recommended eco-friendly products and advice make it possible to live with the spirit of Earth Day all year long.
Setting up an eco-friendly patio
Allen said that there are many ways to be green on your patio. She recommended patio furniture such as chairs and chaises that are made of resin. Another option, she advised, is recycling old furniture pieces by painting them with paints that don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOC). “They have very little odor, and they are more earth-friendly,” she said. Allen also suggested painting and reusing containers such as coffee cans for flower pots.
When setting the table for outdoor meals, Allen said to opt for sustainable materials such as melamine instead of disposable plastic or paper.
If you don’t have natural shade, a shade sail is a good option that provides more than just a shady place to relax on your patio. “Adding shade to your patio will often cool the adjacent room of the house,” Allen said.
Conserving energy and water
Part of being eco-conscious is saving water and energy whenever possible. When it comes to your outdoor living space, relying on the sun’s power will conserve electricity. Allen suggested using solar-powered string and pathway lights to illuminate your patio, sidewalk, garden and more. Adding a solar-powered fountain to your property is also a nice touch.
The tools you use also matter when living up to Earth Day standards. “You want to be looking for the battery-operated ones rather than the gas-powered (tools), ” Allen said, adding that battery-powered weed eaters, chainsaws, trimmers and even mowers are available.
Allen said using a rain barrel is a great way to save water. “A rain barrel is an absolutely great way to do that. You can attach the rain barrel to a downspout so you can collect that water and you can use it to either water your flower beds or your potted plants,” she said.
To keep plants hydrated, she advised using a soaker hose that provides slow-drip water-saving irrigation that reaches plant roots more effectively than when you use a standard garden hose.
Planting and controlling pests sustainably
Allen also recommended tips for environmentally friendly planting and pet control.
- Fill the bottoms of planters with wine bottle corks.
- Apply organic fertilizer.
- Repel pests such as mosquitoes and flies naturally with plants like lavender, catmint, marigolds, sage and rosemary.
- Plant a river birch tree in a wet area of your yard.
- Choose native plants that will thrive in your area, and place them in areas to get just the right amount of sun and shade.
- Use natural pest repellents such as vinegar and ultrasonic devices instead of chemicals.
Composting and improving the growing conditions in your garden
Compost contains vital nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Composting benefits overall plant health by suppressing diseases and pests, improving soil conditions and water absorption as well as encouraging better yields in a vegetable garden. Composting also eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers. It’s easy to start composting; you’ll need a compost starter, a composter and organic materials including food scraps, plant trimmings or grass cuttings.
Best earth-friendly and sustainable products for your outdoor space
This outdoor chaise lounge fits the spirit of Earth Day perfectly, as it’s made of recycled plastic that’s durable and weather-resistant. It’s also adjustable so you can relax while enjoying time in your outdoor space.
Montage Interior/Exterior Paint
Allen recommends Montage paint for its eco-friendly formula that’s made without pollutants. It’s a long-lasting paint that produces a nice finish and comes in an excellent selection of stylish colors.
Shade & Beyond Sun Shade Sail Triangle
This well-made sun shade blocks as much as 98% of the sun’s rays yet is made of breathable material. You can choose from numerous colors and 24 sizes to accommodate the size and décor of your patio or deck.
Brightown Crystal Globe Solar String Lights
This solar-powered strand features 60 round LED bulbs that will burn for 10 hours with a full charge. At around 35 feet, you can use it in numerous outdoor areas to create a beautiful glow when the sun goes down. It comes in a choice of six colors.
Signature Garden Solar Garden Lights
Through rain or shine, these weatherproof solar lights will illuminate your walkway or garden. Easy to set up, they come with stakes that easily slide into the ground. The pack includes eight great-looking lights.
SunnyDaze Two-Tier Solar Fountain
Crafted of sturdy resin, this fountain gets its power from the sun’s rays. The dual levels create a lovely waterfall effect. It’s a beautiful piece that doesn’t require electricity and will complement any sustainable garden space.
Ego Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower
No fuel is required to power this electric lawn mower that gets up to 45 minutes of mowing time with each full charge. The push-button start powers instantly, so you can also begin mowing without a hassle. A foldable handle, headlights and six cutting heights are also key highlights of its feature set.
Black + Decker 40-Volt Max String Trimmer
Although it’s powered by a rechargeable battery, the 40-Volt Max weed eater does a great job knocking down weeds. It’s a lightweight model that also doubles as an edger, so it’s a versatile machine that can give your green space a freshly manicured appearance.
EarthMinded 45-Gallon Rain Barrel
This attractive rain barrel can conserve up to 45 gallons of water and can be used as a planter thanks to the reversible lid. It’s made from resin that consists of up to 85% recycled materials. A spigot and hose are also included.
According to Allen, a soaker hose is more effective at watering plants down to their roots without wasting excessive water. This model tops our list of favorites for dispensing water evenly and for having durable caps that are made to last.
Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer
Allen recommends using a natural weed killer like Green Gobbler that won’t put harmful herbicides on your lawn and garden. Formulated with 20% vinegar, this product is highly effective at killing dandelions, crabgrass, moss and more.
Certified International Radiance Teal Melamine 12-piece Dinnerware Set
Allen likes this melamine dinnerware set for its durability and sustainable materials. The beautiful teal design will stand out on your patio table whenever you entertain outdoors.
Biomaster Compost-It Compost Accelerator/Starter
This concentrated formula contains active ingredients that generate nutrient-rich compost in just four weeks. Simply sprinkle it onto organic material and you’re set. It’s formulated to reduce unpleasant odors, as well, making it especially useful for kitchen compost bins.
Vivosun 43-Gallon Tumbling Composter
This tumbler features dual bins for more efficient composting; while compost “cooks” in one bin, the other bin is for adding new organic material. The hands-free tumbling design means you don’t have to handle the compost. This large-capacity composter has a 43-gallon capacity, made from durable steel and weather-resistant plastic. As a bonus, it comes with a pair of gardening gloves.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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