Here are some easy and efficient ways gardening can reduce your carbon footprint.
Grow your own vegetables
According to the Climate Action Business Association (CABA), about 8% of the average American's personal carbon footprint comes from food. Transporting food may take up to 28.5%. Growing food at home may help reduce this carbon footprint. Ambitious gardeners that use their garden to replace 20% of bought food reduce their carbon footprint by about 68 pounds of CO2 per year!*
Avoid synthetic fertilizers
Most fertilizers are loaded with nutrient boosting nitrogen. This is an essential ingredient of fertilizers, but according to Cornell Plantations’ Climate Change Series, most generic nitrogen fertilizers require so much energy to produce and transport, that they may produce 4-8 pounds of CO2 emissions per ton.*
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Consume less water and start collecting rainwater!
Producing potable water uses a large amount of energy in the U.S., even though 30 – 60% of our water goes right to our lawns! Luckily, there are some easy ways to conserve water. First, plant mostly native plants in your garden. These plants are used to your local climate and require less care than non-native species.
Use planters and containers made from recycled items
Instead of using new materials, reuse planters and pots. One great example is Flat Tire Décor’s innovative line of planters made of upcycled tires!
These are just a few examples of the steps you can take to begin living a more environmentally-friendly life. You may make a significant impact on your carbon footprint with a sustainable lifestyle starting with your garden. All of these steps benefit not only the environment but you as well, either through your health or your wallet! With your garden, you can join us in our important fight against climate change.
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