Can Gardening Help Environment

Can Gardening Help Environment

Whatever size your garden is, it helps the environment in lots of ways. In recent years, gardening appears to have grown in popularity because, for many, its numerous proven benefits largely outweigh the costs. Home gardeners also can be an important part of the solution to climate change by using sustainable practices. Not only is gardening an enjoyable hobby, but it’s also good for the environment! Gardening in your environment; whether in hanging buckets or in the backyard. It promotes sustainability and helps save on some costs that would have been incurred on things such as groceries. It also plays a vital role in the integrity of the environment. In addition, gardening instills the spirit of nature or caring for something in you. Connecting body, spirit, and nature also serves as a strong reminder of our dependence on the latter, of the rhythm of seasons, and of the essence of food. Keep reading to discover the environmental benefits of domestic gardening.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change 

  • Reduce your use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. When it comes time to replace your mower or weed trimmer, choose a rechargeable electric-powered one instead of a gas one. Instead of a leaf blower, use a rake or broom. These actions will cut down on gas emissions that contribute to climate change. 

  • Plant lawn alternatives where grass does not grow well on your property. This will reduce mowing and inputs of fertilizer and herbicides (which also take energy to produce) and will provide essential spaces for wildlife habitat. You can start by replacing just a small portion of the lawn. For inspiration, look to these case studies from Maryland gardeners who are adding more plant diversity in place of turf.

  • Use fertilizers wisely. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Test your soil before applying any fertilizer.

Improves & Replenishes Soil

When you plant a garden in your yard, the roots of the plants work to conserve soil and replenish its nutrients. The root systems help to bind the soil together, making it less likely to wash away during heavy rains or flooding. The more plants you have growing, the more soil is conserved. Plants also supply the soil with nutrients and moisture.

 Plant More Plants, Shrubs & Trees

 

  • Not only do plants, shrubs, and trees enhance the look of your garden and make it a much nicer place to be, but they also help the environment, too.

  • Carbon dioxide-loving plants and trees will help to reduce pollution in the air, via oxygenic photosynthesis.

  • Oxygenic photosynthesis is the process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. The oxygen is then returned to the atmosphere.

  • The more plants and trees you have in the garden, the more you will be encouraging the local wildlife, too.

  • Birds, insects, and other animals all need plants and trees to survive.

  • Plants can be sources of food, shelter, and even places to hide from local predators.

  • Growing and tending the living greenery in your garden will go a long way towards helping the local environment.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

Most of the crops grown at home are organic and eco-friendly. They are mainly foodstuffs such as fruits hence eliminating the need to travel to the market to buy them. Minimizing the usage of automobiles reduces carbon emissions into the environment. CO2 leads to global warming; hence minimizing its release leads to a better environment.

Cleansing of the Air

Have you ever wondered why you breathe clean air despite the many worldwide pollutions? The plants take in harmful gases such as ammonia and nitrogen oxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The leaves also filter the air by trapping bad smells and particles. Therefore, the larger the size of your garden, the purer the air in your home.

Reduces Waste

You can reduce the amount of waste you create by using a composter in your garden. Turning your kitchen food scraps into compost is an environmentally friendly way of disposing of them as opposed to sending them to a landfill. Algreen sells a variety of home composters and soil digesters for any type of garden.

Reduces Co2

Global warming is caused by increased CO2, a greenhouse gas that is produced by various sources, especially the use of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal. Plants absorb CO2 and turn it into oxygen, so the more plants that we all grow collectively, the more we can help fight climate change.

It Promotes a Greener Environment

The world is facing the challenge of global warming, and everybody must play a part in curbing this problem. You do not need many acres of land to plant trees. A simple garden in your backyard is good to go. You can take gardening classes online to understand how to do it, even on a small scale.

The cost of gardening depends on the size of your garden and the nature of the plants you intend to grow. Generally, it is not an expensive process, and you can start with a few necessary tools and seeds/seedlings. Consider embracing home gardening since it has endless benefits to the environment.

Undoubtedly, there is a future for urban and peri-urban gardening, agriculture, and farming. Meanwhile, demand for locally grown, healthy, and nutritious food is here to stay. Thus, rather than work against these currents, we should encourage our communities to consider the benefits and potential of community gardens to build social connectedness and improve our well-being.

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