You’ve decided to build your outdoor oasis. First, consider what you want out of the space. Will this be a place you work, come for a moment of peace, or entertain friends and family – or all of the above? When you are planning your earth-friendly outdoor living space, it’s critical to consider several eco-friendly options that will add both beauty and comfort to your outdoor space, and ensure that your home and living areas are as sustainable as possible, for real longevity. Take some time to consider all your options, look up ideas, or simply read on, to learn a few tips and tricks for a green transform of your outdoor space.
1. Select Sustainable Patio Furniture & Textiles
We want our patio furniture to be durable and beautiful, and choosing eco-friendly outdoor furniture is a great way of ensuring you have both. Look for products from reputable companies using recycled or sustainable materials. Bamboo, teak and eucalyptus are great sustainable wood options which will last forever on your patio, and give it a worldly and natural feel at the same time. Using organic fabrics will also help add a more natural beauty to the space, without exposing you to chemicals or dyes which could be harmful for you, your family or pets.
2. Opt for Greener Grilling & Outdoor Cooking Options
A patio cooking area is a great way to open up your outdoor space for daily living. Seek out greener grilling or cooking options for your outdoor space. Some choose to install a charcoal grill, which you can fill with materials like natural charcoal lumps, made from wood. Or consider installing a propane oven, reducing your reliance on gas and lowering your bills simultaneously! If you are working on a budget, an outdoor fire pit is a great way to have a simple grilled meal and warm yourself on those first cool fall nights.
3. Reduce Turf Space
A green and lush lawn is something you work on over time, but consider how much water it takes to maintain it! Reduce the amount of turf and grass you have outside your home, in favour rock or mulch gardens, with plants that don’t require constant water, like cacti. Making this small change to your outdoor space means less water wastage and easier upkeep, and if you plan it right, a more worldly and international feel for your home!
4. Earth-Friendly Outdoor Lighting
Creating an eco-friendly outdoor lighting scheme is perhaps the easiest thing you can do to transform your outdoor living area. Solar lighting options are widely available, using the power of the sun to light your outdoor area at night, saving your money and energy and ensuring you won’t want to go inside when darkness falls. If you choose to use candles for a softer lighting scheme, be sure to pick natural options like beeswax or soy candles, scented with essential oils.
5. Install Innovative Technologies to Save Energy
Technology is a great way to make your home more eco-friendly and save money. Install water efficient products in your yard, to keep your outdoor space green without wasting too much water. Investing in solar panels for your home will save you money on power, and keep a reservoir of power around your home that will keep you lit, on even the darkest nights. Replace old bulbs with LEDs, which use 85% less energy, shine brighter and last longer! Most of these technologies can be easily controlled using an application on your smartphone, meaning even if you head out for a vacation, you can still control your home eco-footprint from anywhere.
6. Build Up-Not Out
Land is the only thing they are not making any more of, so to really make use of your outdoor space, build up, not out. Make use of walls and decks for creeping vines, or to support a small tomato or vegetable garden. Incorporating raised garden beds will create a contemporary look, and planting things like bamboo, with long straight lines, will add height, and therefore space, to your outdoor living area.
It’s been a tough year, with most of the world confined to their homes. Most of us are looking for ways to make our homes more energy and water efficient, and also beautiful and sustainable. Taking some time to plan out your eco-friendly outdoor space will save you money in the long run, raise your property value, and is also a great step to take toward saving the earth.
