We all want a beautiful, practical and comfortable backyard, but our choices can sometimes have a negative impact on the environment. Here are some eco-friendly things you can do to ensure that the design of your outdoor space lines up with your ecological values.
Free Yourself From Your Lawn
Quebeckers are the champions of laying turf, especially in the suburbs. We like to cover our lots in green, even if a lawn is time consuming to maintain (very time consuming!). Summers are short, so why waste time on it? Oddly enough, because grass is a plant, many believe that it is an environmentally friendly ground cover option. But to be healthy, a lawn requires about 4 litres of water per cubic metre as well as chemical treatments, not to mention the gas needed to run the lawn mower. Consider covering your soil with a more environmentally friendly choice like natural mulch or Lysimachia nummularia.
Encourage Local Artisans When Purchasing Garden Furniture
Buying locally is a good way to support the Quebec economy and do your part for the planet. The transportation of goods, sometimes from overseas, can leave a significant carbon footprint. A number of large Quebec companies offer furniture for the backyard, such as Jardin de Ville, but there are also many small artisans who create custom pieces. Browse online ads or ask for references from friends and family — these talented artists don’t always have a website!
Focus on Indigenous Plants
What is an indigenous plant? A plant that is perfectly adapted to our climate, which is not the case for exotic or invasive plants that, because of a lack of natural competitors, are harmful to biodiversity. The reason is that they grow quickly, crowding out native species. So, it’s better to opt for local plants in our gardens. Two indigenous flagship shrubs are the alder and the Canadian serviceberry. When it comes to climbers, the clematis is very popular. Nurseries offer a wide selection of native plants, many of which will be perfectly at home in our garden’s design. You can also order seeds online if you can’t get out of the house.
Save Old Furniture!
From an environmental perspective, it is imperative to try to save the furniture you already have. Before you throw out your outmoded lounge chair, why not try revamping it? The same goes for broken objects that can be repaired. There are even artisans specializing in salvaging furniture whom you can ask to do this work for you.
Harvest Rainwater
Canada holds 20% of the planet’s freshwater supply, which is a precious resource for the entire world! Unfortunately, Quebeckers are at the top of the list when it comes to wasting water. Each of us consumes on average 420 litres of drinking water per day, twice as much as Europeans. You can reduce how much you use by installing a rain barrel. You can then use this water to clean garden furniture, water your plants or fill the pool.
Give Unused Materials a Second Life
All kinds of materials get thrown away: extra soil, cracked paving stones, useless rocks, wooden planks from a demolished balcony. The important thing is to properly manage this “waste.” How do we prevent these materials from becoming sources of pollution or ending up in the landfill? First, think about giving them to a non-profit organization or a family member. Then, see if you can’t use them in some way in your own decor. Finally, if these materials are truly useless, dispose of them at a suitable location such as a waste management centre.
Say No to Heat Islands!
In the fight against climate change, it is important to work to reduce heat islands. Concrete, paving stones and asphalt absorb heat rather than reflecting it, increasing the area’s ambient air temperature. Accessories and furniture in pale tones that reflect light should be given priority. Planting trees or installing small green roofs are also environmentally conscious actions.
A sustainable development approach includes several other actions. What are your tips for the backyard?