Being environmentally-conscious is a big deal for many businesses today and most likely your company has embraced practices that are eco-friendly. You recycle bottles, cans and paper. You’ve embraced digital documents over paper ones. You opt for energy-efficient office equipment, and you’ve even worked on greening your business strategies. All of these are great ways to help the environment, but while focusing on the inside of your business, you may be forgetting about the outside.
Your landscape can be tweaked so it not only looks great, but it also reduces your environmental impact. Here are some things you can do to make your business’s landscape more eco-friendly.
Use Organic Pesticides
There’s no need to use harsh chemicals to deal with pests that devour your flowers. There are large numbers of organic pesticides on the market that do just as good of a job, but don’t produce wastewater that will harm wildlife that might be in your area. This is a simple switch that can make a big difference.
Opt for Solar-Powered Lights
If you want to illuminate walkways to light the way for employees and customers, try installing solar-powered landscape lighting. This will not only cut back on light pollution, but also reduce your energy costs. It’s also a great way to welcome visitors to your business.
Embrace Native Plants
Using native plants in your business’s landscaping makes sense. Plants that naturally grow in your area will require less water and maintenance than exotic plants, and are also more resistant to disease. In addition, they will attract beneficial insects and wildlife. They are easy to care for and give your business a strong, local identity.
Use Electric Lawnmowers
Avoid polluting the air with a conventional gas-powered lawnmower and switch to an electric model. You can buy a cordless version or even a ride-on model, which will make caring for a wide expanse much easier.
Plant Evergreens
An easy and attractive way to block cold winter breezes is to plant evergreen trees outside of your business. If you place them near your parking lot, it will make employees’ trek to and from the office much more pleasant during the dead of winter. It also helps to determine the dominant wind direction and plant evergreens upwind.
Utilize Rain Barrels
Reduce your outdoor water use by placing water barrels on your property. They are a great way to store free water that is soft and free of chemicals. Using rainwater to care for your plants is eco-friendly and reduces the amount of municipal stormwater runoff.
Plant Shade Trees
Shade trees not only look pretty, they can also reduce your energy costs. In the summer, they help cool your building and in the winter when they lose their leaves, they allow the sun to warm things up. To really reap their benefits, plant deciduous trees on the east and west-facing sides of your building. Just be sure to prune them so branches shade the roof, adding even more energy savings.
Install a Drip Irrigation System
Instead of using sprinklers, consider using a drip irrigation system. It can use anywhere from 30 to 50 percent less water than a sprinkler system. Water is delivered slowly right to the root zone of plants, eliminating the waste of water through evaporation or runoff. These systems save both money and time; all you have to do is turn it on and off when needed.
These are all great ways to make your business’s landscaping friendlier for the environment and your bottom line. You’ll be saving money and the environment at the same time, while making the exterior of your building look much more inviting. That’s a great way to do business.
photo by : Thomas Quine
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