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RSSBuilding a Really Green Backyard
GreenWerks | 
Oct 20th, 2010 | 
A backyard is supposed to be green. As the place where a home’s garden, a couple of trees, some flowers, and the children’s grassy play area are usually found, it’s hard to think of a backyard as anything but green.
But environmental concerns associated with this part of the house can significantly reduce a backyard’s aesthetic appeal; things like irresponsible waste disposal, poor drainage, excessive water runoff, and uncontrolled toxicity are only some of these problems – and they make our homes a lot less inefficient, a lot less environment-friendly, and a lot less green.
It’s time for you as a homeowner to build a really green backyard – green, that is, in both senses of the word. Show your commitment to the environment by taking care of this part of the house in your next green remodeling project. Here’s a list of great green backyard tips:
Make your own compost
Those organic waste materials that are being dumped in landfills? The trash bag filled with garden and kitchen waste, yard scraps, and leftovers from dinner? Don’t get rid of them forever. At least don’t throw them out of your house. You can actually use those for making compost – and generating instant savings that you’d otherwise have spent on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Compost is great for your garden, and it can improve soil while preventing a number of plant diseases. It’s easier than you think, and once you get the hang of it you can actually teach your kids to help you out while getting them involved in a fun and environment-friendly activity.
Go organic
The organic lifestyle is an increasingly popular one – and not just because of its green benefits. It can actually help you save a lot of money. Now, what can be more “organic” than growing your own natural, fertilizer- and chemical-free garden? Not only will an organic garden do lots of wonders to your green backyard; it will also assure you of the quality and freshness of what goes in your diet.
Opt for eco-friendly grilling
Backyards are great venues for the weekend barbecue. Unfortunately, the barbecue venue can also be the site where food is overstocked, mounds of garbage are piled, significant amounts of charcoal briquettes are wasted, and carbon dioxide is emitted. Of course, we’re not asking you to completely stop dining alfresco and having some backyard fun. Only, it would make sense to use more efficient grilling methods, like ditching the briquettes and the lighter fluid and instead trying a gas grill or natural hardwood lump charcoal. That way, you get to enjoy your outdoor meals with family and friends – without having to worry about the environmental impact of backyard barbecuing.
Consider solar fixtures
If you’re serious about green remodeling, work with an eco-savvy contractor like Greenwerks and find out how you can install solar fixtures (example: solar lanterns) to illuminate and decorate your green backyard. These sun-powered systems not only help you save energy and money; they also come in various shapes, sizes, and designs that can fit whatever aesthetic requirements you may have. Trust us: it’s a smart investment for your backyard and your home.
Eco-friendly furniture
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as spending afternoons in a green backyard, just reading quietly for hours or having loads of outdoor fun with the children. If you think your backyard is going to be more than just a dumping site (as you should, too!) and serve instead as a cozy spot where you’ll be spending lots of time, then it may be a good idea to invest in some eco-friendly furniture pieces. Work with green designers like Greenwerks and learn which materials are best for your home and for the environment. Bamboo, for example, may be great for your fence, while natural stone can be used to complement your garden. Need a functional and eco-savvy backyard deck? Cedar may be the best and greenest bet. Whatever your green home improvement or landscaping project is, consider your options carefully, and always remember that the backyard should be of no other color but green.
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