Being a sustainable household means taking active steps towards reducing your environmental impact and living in harmony with the beautiful planet we call home. This can include practices such as reducing energy consumption, limiting water usage, reducing waste, etc. But there’s no doubt that it can be difficult at times, especially when it comes to choosing the right appliances, home devices, lighting options, and vehicle options. One of the best places to start can be your garden – sustainably gardening can help you live a more natural lifestyle. You can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly and here are the top five ways to do so.
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Creating a Sustainable Garden is Easier Than You Think!
By adopting sustainable practices, no matter how small, households can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Becoming more sustainable can also have a positive impact on your mental health. By making conscious efforts to reduce waste, recycle, and use energy-efficient practices, you can feel a greater sense of accomplishment and purpose by contributing to environmental conservation. This can also boost self-esteem and your overall mood, especially as leading a more sustainable lifestyle often makes you connect more with nature and spend time outdoors, all of which have proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Are you ready to experience all of the benefits sustainably gardening can have on you, your family and the environment?
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Support Local & Ethical Businesses
What’s better than supporting businesses in your local neighbourhood and community? Supporting local businesses can strengthen economic resilience by reducing the reliance on long-distance supply chains and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution. Supporting small-scale producers also means supporting local employees and their well-being. When you attend a home and garden show produced by Jenkins Show Productions, you’ll be able to support an array of local businesses that have all come together under one roof to showcase their products and services to local homeowners like you.
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Compost
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and provide nutrient-rich soil for your gardens. You can compost scraps and yard waste to create a natural fertilizer that will help your plants, flowers, and homegrown fruits and vegetables thrive by improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient levels, and promoting healthy plant growth. This can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and divert waste from landfills.
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Plant Native Species & Support Pollinators
Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions which make them more resilient and less dependent on pesticides and water, allowing you to create a more sustainable and low-maintenance landscape. On top of native species, you can plant a collection of pollinator-friendly flowers that are essential for plant reproduction and biodiversity. Bees and butterflies play a vital role in pollination which is necessary for the production of fruits, veggies and seeds so this is a great way to contribute to the health and balance of the natural world.
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Conserve Water
Water conservation is essential in sustainable gardening practices. Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater and mulch your garden beds to retain more moisture. Adding a layer of organic material, such as wood chips or leaves on top of the soil, can act as a barrier that helps prevent water evaporation and decrease the need for frequent watering. It can also prevent weed growth! Additionally, conserving water can also lead to cost savings and increased energy efficiency.
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Use Organic Fertilizers & Pesticides
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides can harm beneficial insects, birds, other wildlife in your garden, and even you and your family. Runoff can also negatively impact local fields and water sources. There are numerous long-term health risks associated with being exposed to pesticides, therefore, by using organic options such as compost, manure, and natural pest control methods, you are not only protecting your plants and the environment but also you and your family.
Contribute to a Healthier Environment for Everyone
By incorporating these sustainable practices into your gardening routine, you can help create a beautiful and eco-friendly garden that will thrive for many years to come. And, not only will you enjoy fresh, organic produce and vibrant flowers, but you will also get to experience the profound effects that living sustainably and being outdoors can have on one’s mental health.
You may not feel like you’re making much of a difference, especially at first, but that isn’t true. Every little bit helps. You’re contributing to a healthier and happier environment and a sustainable future for future generations – that’s something to be incredibly proud of!
To find out more about how you can introduce sustainable practices into your lifestyle, visit a Jenkins Home and Garden Show! Or, if you’re a local business who wants to spread the word about how sustainable gardening benefits everyone, consider setting up a booth at one of our shows.
