In this day and age where the negative effects of decades of unsustainable production and consumption practices are intensifying, keeping sustainability in mind in the design, building and furnishing process is key to ensuring that as individuals we contribute to the current and future welfare of the environment. But what exactly is sustainability? It’s more than a buzzword to market products and services - it is a commitment to responsibly managing our natural resources to fulfil current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainability is important to preserving the world as we know it for ourselves and generations to come.
A growing number of individuals are turning to sustainable practices in all aspects: personal, work, and home life. The UN created a number of goals for sustainable development that address global challenges like:
Stopping global warming.
Planting trees to help protect the environment.
Responsible consumption and production
Although the switch can seem daunting, and, at times, expensive, incorporating sustainability in your practices improves not only the environment, but your health, and can even save you money in the long run. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to incorporate sustainability in your outdoor spaces. From choosing sustainably sourced materials to sustainable furniture, there are many things you can do to incorporate these goals into your outdoor space.
Sustainability in Consumption
One of the first areas we can incorporate sustainability in our outdoor spaces is by responsibly sourcing our materials and furnishings. We can do this by selecting suppliers that are certified sustainably sourced or environmentally friendly. When shopping for imported wooden furniture, for example, check to see if the pieces are FSC-certified. This means the hardwood that was used to make the furniture is harvested and managed responsibly to prevent deforestation and forest degradation, the workers that harvested the wood are provided with proper training, adequate safety protocols, and fair wages and plant and animal species are protected. Shop FSC-certified pieces from Outdoor Projects Ltd here.
We can also upcycle the materials and furniture we already have. Sometimes, all we need to do is a little refurbishing. For example, we reused the lumber (the pieces that were in good condition, of course) in our existing fence to create a new design. Although this requires more careful planning, upcycling can reduce energy usage, air and water pollution, and even greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of new materials. For our locally made pieces, Outdoor Projects Ltd offers a refurbishing service that allows you to have your pieces looking like new, without having to actually get new pieces.
Stop Global Warming
We can make our outdoor spaces more sustainable by implementing measures that reduce our carbon footprint. This is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming. We can do this by incorporating clean energy sources & energy-efficient appliances and where possible shopping with local suppliers. Incorporating solar panels on a pergola or using solar lighting is a great way to incorporate renewable energy in our outdoor design.
We can also choose energy-efficient appliances like fans, outdoor kitchen fridges and more to minimize energy consumption.
Planting Trees
The last, and most obvious answer to making your outdoor space more sustainable is by using plants. Of course, plants are essential to soften the aesthetics of your outdoor space, but they can be so much more than just beautifiers and personality hires. Plants are natural carbon sinks. This means they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release which contributes to our previous goal of stopping global warming. Strategically planted trees can also be used for reducing temperatures both indoors and outdoors. You can even incorporate native and edible plants for bonus points.
The bottom line is that incorporating sustainability in your outdoor design is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity in today’s world, especially in the Caribbean where we experience some of the catastrophic effects of climate change. By doing some of the things recommended in this blog, you are not only preserving your yard but also contributing to preserving your country and the world.
Comentários