Are you thinking of improving your outdoor space? There are a lot of ways you can pull this off. With today’s ever-growing environmental issues, however, it might be time that you make sustainability a top priority.
So, here are four tips for an eco-friendly outdoor space.
1. Reuse
The manufacturing industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental degradation. It depletes majority of the planet’s limited natural resources. And even worse, consumers’ throw-away lifestyle continues to fuel this industry.
A simple yet great solution to this is to reuse materials. If done more frequently, there will be less production demand for the manufacturing industry.
Start with what you have at home. Look around you, and ask yourself this: What do I have that no longer serves its purpose?
Are there empty containers such as bottles you are about to throw away? How about old furniture that’s been tucked away and long forgotten? These can actually be reused for your outdoor space!
For instance, if you want more greenery outdoors, you can make plastic pots out of empty bottles. Simply cut the upper half of the bottle, and then use the lower half as a sustainable pot. Since plastic is a non-porous material, it’s perfect for plants that thrive in moisture.
Reuse old furniture that you no longer need. But if have nothing to reuse, buy old ones instead. You can restore them in different ways such as repainting and polishing. And your outdoor space will have a piece of brand-new looking furniture for less.
2. Repurpose
The process of extracting raw materials could actually be worse than the production of goods. For example, it takes roughly 1.5 lbs of cotton to produce a pair of jeans. But it actually requires more than a thousand gallons of water to produce this amount of cotton.
Repurposing is another great way to help save the planet. It lessens the amount of raw materials needed to create items. Not only does this save natural resources, but it also reduces trash that goes to landfills.
For a sustainable outdoor space, you can repurpose items such as a spare tire, drawers, silverware, and even windows. In other words, anything can be repurposed, as long as you tap into your inner creativity!
For instance, tires and drawers can be repurposed as planters. Simply repaint them with whatever color you desire to make your outside space look more creative. And feel free to stack them for a vertical garden look.
Silverware like spoons can be repurposed as hangers. Just apply some heat and then bend until it resembles a hook. You can use this to hang plants, decorations, and other items for a beautiful outdoor space.
Windows can be repurposed as a space divider or even a coffee table. if you want to use it as a divider, make sure to provide some support you can hang it onto. And if you want it as a coffee table, you will need extra wood for the legs, a hammer, and some nails. It’s extra work, but windows give your outdoor space a more comfortable vibe.
3. Use energy-saving lighting
Light pollution often goes unnoticed, but it poses a real threat to the environment. Carbon dioxide is actually emitted when these lights are powered. Unfortunately, most lighting equipment is made from unsustainable materials and is being used carelessly.
For an eco-friendly outdoor space, use energy-saving lighting like LED light bulbs. Unlike traditional light bulbs, LED uses 75% less energy, has better light quality, and lasts longer. It’s also more comfortable to use, because it burns cooler than your average light bulb.
Take it up a notch by using solar-powered lighting. You can illuminate your landscaping, pathways, and entryways in style with solar-powered lamps. These are readily available online, and you can even make one yourself.
For a DIY solar lamp, you’ll need a light bulb, a jar, reusable adhesive, reusable batteries, and some creativity as you design your lamp.
4. Choose eco-friendly products
Eco-friendly products are becoming more popular today. Some examples are clothes made from organic materials, and toiletries such as reusable cotton rounds and cotton swabs by Last Object zero waste shop. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are also good for your health.
Using eco-friendly products for your outdoor space is easier thank you. For instance, if you want to build a patio or create a pathway, you can use sustainable materials like pavements, natural stones, and bamboo. For your gardening, you can opt for compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. And if you wish to add more items for aesthetic purposes, make sure they are made from sustainable materials or recycled materials.
With these four tips in mind, you can finally have your own eco-friendly outdoor space!
