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9 Smart Ideas to Create a Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Backyard

9 Smart Ideas to Create a Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Backyard

You might not be aware of this, but your backyard and outdoor space utilize a lot of your household’s energy. Gardens and backyards can often contribute up to 20% of a household’s overall electricity usage.

If you want to save money, get more of your backyard space, and minimize your carbon footprint, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, we will share with you all the smart ideas to create a sustainable and energy-efficient backyard and outdoor space.

 

Limit your plant selection 

Let’s start this off by giving you some ideas on how to choose plants for your backyard. If your goal is to create a sustainable and eco-friendly backyard and garden, start by opting for native and eco-friendly plants.

When doing the landscaping, always choose plants that are native to your region. These types of plants require less water and are more resilient to local pests and diseases. If you’re not sure which plants are native, don’t be afraid to ask in the plant nursery. They’ll be happy to help you and show you the plants that thrive in your local climate and have low water needs.

 

Find ways to conserve water

In addition to choosing plants that have low water needs, there are also other ways to conserve water in your backyard. One very smart option includes collating rainwater. Doing this will allow you to reduce the reliance on municipal water supplies. In addition to conserving water, this also provides your plants with natural, chemical-free hydration.

Your other option includes installing efficient irrigation systems. For instance, a drip irrigation system directs water straight to the roots of your plants, reducing evaporation and minimizing water waste. 

You can also add a smart timer which will allow you to water your plants during cooler times of the day, further preventing water loss from evaporation.

 

Solar lighting and LED bulbs

Instead of using electricity in your outdoor space and backyard, you can now switch to solar lighting. You can have your whole backyard illuminated with solar-powered lighting. 

Solar lights harness sunlight during the day and automatically illuminate at dusk, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting option. This eliminates the need for outdoor electrical wiring and can greatly lower your energy usage.

You can install solar fence lights and have them illuminate your backyard all night long with no worry of spending too much money on electricity.

However, if you require electricity in your backyard, you can lower your electricity bills by opting for LED bulbs. Also, other energy-efficient outdoor bulb options are available. These bulbs consume only a fraction of the energy used by traditional incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan, helping you save on both energy bills and replacement expenses.

 

Use sustainable materials & practices in your backyard

Opt for recycled or locally sourced materials when building pathways, patios, and other structures. This helps minimize environmental impact while also supporting local economies.

Also, when dealing with pests, instead of using harsh chemicals, try natural ways to keep them away. Use natural deterrents or companion planting to maintain a healthy ecosystem in your backyard and garden.

 

Plant trees and shrubs

Planting trees in your backyard can be useful in many different ways. Trees are excellent for carbon sequestration and provide habitats for wildlife. 

Trees in your backyard will provide shade and will reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches your home. In turn, you won’t need to spend a lot on cooling.

But that’s not all, planting trees and shrubs can also create windbreaks in your backyard. By strategically planting trees and shrubs, cold wind will have less of an impact on your home and its heating requirements. 

When choosing trees and shrubs for your backyard, make sure you choose species that are well-suited to your environment.

 

Create functional spaces in your backyard

Design outdoor living spaces that serve multiple functions, such as areas for entertaining or growing a vegetable garden. For any new structures or furniture, choose eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact.

If you’re going to be building new structures, try to use construction techniques that minimize environmental disruption, like opting for hand tools instead of heavy machinery.

Also, don’t forget to install outdoor blinds or awnings to regulate the amount of sunlight that enters your home and outdoor living spaces.

 

Lawn management 

Opt for manual tools instead of gas-powered ones whenever you can. When mowing your lawn, instead of a gas-powered lawn mower, use an electric one. You can also use a reel mower or manual trimmers and clippers. These tools not only offer a quieter and more energy-efficient alternative but also provide an excellent workout.

Additionally, you can practice grasscycling by leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing. This returns nutrients to the soil and reduces waste.

 

Keep your backyard soil healthy

You can enrich your backyard soil and minimize kitchen and yard waste by creating a composting bin. Recycling all the kitchen scraps and yard waste will minimize your need for chemical fertilizers and help maintain healthy soil.

Composting decreases landfill waste along with the energy costs linked to transportation and processing, while also enriching your garden with valuable nutrients.

The other option to keep your soil healthy is mulching. By applying a thick layer of organic mulch around plants you will retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure over time.

 

Support wildlife in your backyard

Create a garden that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects by incorporating a variety of plants and elements such as bird baths and insect hotels. 

By including different plant species, you can foster a balanced ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stressors. 

Additionally, create brush piles for additional habitat. Brush piles offer wildlife a haven to evade predators, rest, feed, find shelter from harsh weather, and sometimes raise their young. Various animals frequently utilize brush piles, including mammals like rabbits, chipmunks, and raccoons. Then, birds such as towhees, cardinals, and sparrows, along with reptiles and amphibians like fence lizards, box turtles, and gray treefrogs. Numerous insects and other invertebrates also benefit from these natural structures.

 

Conclusion

By incorporating these smart strategies, you not only enhance your enjoyment of your backyard but also actively contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment. With a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning, your outdoor space can serve as a prime example of energy efficiency. 

If you have any specific goals or challenges in mind for your backyard, we can explore further ways to make your space even more eco-friendly. Do any particular concepts seem unclear or stand out as particularly useful for your backyard project?

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