Sustainability is a word most used in even landscaping it refers to by United Nations “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (social, economic…). Being good Stewards.
Sustainability of the environment and the soil, where more life lives is vitally important to beauty, health above the ground.
One teaspoon of soil contains more living organisms than there are people in the world. James Hutton Institute
A single teaspoon (1 gram) of rich garden soil can hold up to one billion bacteria, several yards of fungal filaments, several thousand protozoa, and scores of nematodes, according to Kathy Merrifield, a retired nematologist at Oregon State University.
https://cwppra.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/soil-organism_ww.jpg
Key principles of environmental sustainability include:
- Conservation of Resources: Irrigation, watering using Xeriscaping, rain barrels.
- Reduction of Waste: Minimizing waste generation, promoting recycling, and reducing pollution and composting.
- Biodiversity Preservation: Protecting ecosystems and species to maintain a balanced and healthy environment. Using pollinators and other habitats for survival.
- Sustainable Practices in Agriculture, Industry, and Development: Ensuring that farming, manufacturing, and construction practices are environmentally responsible and energy efficient.
- Know Your Environment: By knowing your soil conditions, what your water needs and availability of resources. What is your shade, sun conditions?
How to use environmental sustainability in your life:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste by buying only what you need, reusing items, and recycling materials. Cardboard, newspaper great for adding a weed layer to non-vegetable beds.
- Support Eco-friendly Products: Choose products made with sustainable materials or from companies that prioritize environmental responsibility. For me it is Espoma Biotone Starter plus, which I use to plant with and amend plants during the season, raked into soil.
- Conserve Water: Use water-efficient appliances, take shorter showers, and fix leaks promptly. Rain Barrels, amend soil by adding compost and thin layers of mulch.
- Plant Trees and Support Conservation Efforts: Participate in local environmental efforts and support conservation initiatives.
- Planting of Native species: Checking with your local state, extension officeand universities. Your local nursery and garden Centers have sections to promote Native plants, and plant tags have this information also.
- Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness and encourage sustainable practices within your community. HOA’s are starting to embrace sustainability as it helps reduce watering and improves the neighborhood.
- Soil Test:By using your university or Master Gardeners can help improve your soil either in lawns or gardens (vegetable or garden). https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/ordering-information-forms
- Use companion plantings which help each other out. Example is planting any Allium in with Roses, this over time makes plant more fragrant and bug repellent. Rhododendron love to be planted with Mountain Laurels.
By incorporating these actions into your daily life, you can contribute to the broader goal of environmental sustainability and help mitigate the effects of climate change and resource depletion.