Being mindful of the environment is more important now than ever. Recycling, decreasing your reliance on plastics and minimizing paper usage are all important, but did you know there is even more you can be doing? It all starts right in your own backyard! Here are some tips to help you keep your backyard and property eco friendly.

Try Composting

Composting turns organic waste into humus, which is an important ingredient in healthy soil. Pick a dry, partially shaded location for your compost pile and make sure it doesn't get too big. Once you get your compost pile started, it is easy to add more material to it each day as you dispose of garbage. You should be mindful of the fact that not everything can go in a compost heap. Stick with things like leaves, grass clippings, fruits, vegetables and coffee grounds. Avoid adding pet droppings, fish, milk or meat. Be sure to turn your compost regularly with a shovel to keep it aerated and decomposing quickly. Depending on various factors, it may take your compost up to a year to become usable. Once it has matured, you can add it to your soil.

Use Natural Products

While it may be tempting to use pesticides to care for your yard because they seem so effective, you should avoid introducing dangerous chemicals into the environment. There are many natural alternatives to chemical-based backyard products. For pest control, you can spray a mixture of water, dish detergent and vegetable oil on the infested area or pour boiling water on ant nests. You can also release certain types of insects into the environment, such as praying mantises, to combat pests like mites. To control the weeds in your backyard, choose an organic herbicide instead of chemical-based pesticides.

Save Rainwater

Harvesting rainwater is a great way to keep your grass green and save money on your water bill. Purchase a water cistern and leave it in your backyard to collect rain and stormwater runoff. Use the water to hydrate your plants. This water is even drinkable if you purchase an appropriate filter for the cistern. Using rainwater can save you money, which can then be reinvested in your backyard and used for gardening supplies, plants or to finance swimming pools.

Add Mulch

While you might think of wood chips when you think of mulch, it can be made out of many different materials. Mulch can also be created from newspaper, grass clippings, pine needles and straw. Whatever material you choose, mulch can help keep your backyard eco friendly in a variety of ways. Ideally, your mulch should be organic so that, as it decomposes, it improves your soil. Mulch also helps your soil retain moisture and decreases the amount of weeds in your backyard. It is also decorative and can improve the look of your landscaping.

Be Mindful About Watering

Being careful about how much you water your backyard is key to keeping everything environmentally friendly. You may want to turn on your sprinkler every evening to keep your grass and plants looking fresh, but you should consider being more targeted about the way in which you use water. One tip that makes a huge difference is to avoid overwatering. Not only does this save water, but it also prevents root rot. You can also consider adding drought-resistant plants to your backyard, which need less water in order to thrive. Finally, if you do need to use a sprinkler, make sure you purchase one that is adjustable so you can direct the water to the places in your yard that need it most.

Keeping your backyard eco friendly is an important way to care for the environment. With these simple tips, you can do your part towards keeping our planet healthy.