Solutions
Convert to a more natural yard ecosystem to...
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Create a stable, nurturing environment for birds and bugs displaced by grass lawns.
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Cut costs of lawn maintenance.
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Return atmospheric carbon back to the soil. Yay!
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Maintain a healthy and safe area for kids and animals to inhabit.
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If you plant trees, the shade will keep your home cooler so you can spend less on AC.
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Xeriscaping
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Gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation, maintenance, and fertilizer.
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Composed of drought-resistant species, stable in several climates
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Can reduce water consumption by 50-75%
Natural living yards can cost less, are peaceful, require less regular maintenance, are beautiful to humans and critters, and absorb more rainwater, helping to limit flooding.
Healthy Yard Options
Plant Native Perennial Gardens
Since soil can serve as a major carbon reservoir and reduce climate change, replacing grass with low maintenance native perennials (trees, shrubs, flowering plants, wildflowers, etc) would reduce carbon dioxide in the air. As plants undergo photosynthesis, they essentially "eat" carbon dioxide and move it to the soil.
Perennial Lawns are also great because they...
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Act as havens for small animals and bugs (like birds, butterflies, and bees!)
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Eliminate the need for lawn mowing and pesticides
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Add curb appeal
Organic vegetable gardens
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Landscaping with a purpose
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Decreases reliance on agrochemical corporations for food and their use of pesticides and herbicides
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Therapeutic and rewarding
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Reduces food bill
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Growing 10 pounds of cherry tomatoes can reduce the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 1.8 pounds!
Trees, meadows, & wildflowers
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Planting trees around your house offers privacy
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Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, which takes CO2 out of the atmosphere (soil carbon sequestration)
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Allows biodiversity and refuge for species in tree habitats
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Depending on a tree’s age and condition, one acre of forest can store between 2,000 and 6,000+ pounds of carbon per year.
Plant Native
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Native plants, which are well-adapted and stable, require less maintenance and care than non-native species do.
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Native plants help foster biodiversity and ecosystems for displaced native birds, bugs, and animals.
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A native plant versus a non-native plant is beneficial to a greater number of pollinators and birds in your area.