Source
Going Green: In Your Garden
Volume 1
Leonora Bateman
Editor’s Note: Welcome to the first issue of “Going Green” brought
to you by, myself, Leonora Bateman and, of course – Planet Earth!
I hope that you will leave this newsletter inspired to save our
wonderful planet in your own way. Every little effort helps, so
keep recycling, carpooling, shopping local and go organic!
How local can you go?
How about your own backyard - or perhaps even your front
yard? A trend to replace turf grass with gardens has swept the
country as food prices rise and water conservation is
encouraged. An estimated 30% of a typical suburban households’
water usage goes to outside irrigation (source). Rather than
covering your land (or even patio!) with non-productive grass
that
requires
fertilizers and excess
water, try planting a
garden which will
keep you active,
eating
healthy,
educate you and save
you money at the
grocery store! You
can live sustainably
in
your
own
backyard.
Source
Good Bugs
Not all bugs are bad – let’s take a look at some beneficial insects.
Typically we think of insects as pests, they eat our gardens, sting
us, fly around out house… but not all insects are this way. Some
insect populations that we should encourage in our own gardens
are those that eat the insects that we consider pests (like aphids
and caterpillars!). Use of broad-spectrum insecticides not only
kill pest insects, but beneficial insects too! So, reduce your use of
insecticides by encouraging these beneficial insects to thrive in
your garden. (click on images for source)
March 2010
Compost this newsletter!
According to the EPA, 26% of American’s solid waste
can be composted – that means landfills with over a
quarter of their contents that could go back into the
earth rather than into a non-compostable plastic
bag! Compost can then be used to fertilize your
garden! The act of composting also makes
consumers aware of the materials that they
consume that are NOT compostable (like Styrofoam
and plastic!). Follow this simple guide on what to
compost and what not to compost and great
compost containers can be found here.
Compostable
Not Compostable
Animal manure
Cardboard rolls
Clean paper
Coffee grounds + filters
Cotton rags
Dryer and vacuum lint
Eggshells
Fireplace ashes (cool)
Fruits and vegetables
Grass clippings
Hair and fur
Hay and straw
Houseplants
Leaves
Nutshells
Sawdust
Shredded newspaper
Teabags
Woodchips
Wool rags
Yard trimmings
Black walnut tree leaves or
twigs (releases harmful
substances)
Coal or charcoal ash
(contains substances harmful
to plants)
Dairy products (odorous and
attracts rodents and flies)
Diseased or insect-ridden
plants (can be transferred to
healthy plants)
Fats, grease, lard or oils
(odorous and attracts rodents
and flies)
Meat or fish bones and
scraps (odorous and attracts
rodents and flies)
Pet wastes (dog or cat) (may
contain parasites/bacteria
harmful to humans)
Yard trimmings treated with
chemical pesticides (may kill
beneficial composting
organisms)
What can you do to help?
Help grow a garden abroad!
Help your local school grow a garden!
Help your children grow a garden!
Grow your own garden!
Compost!
Any Questions? Feel free to email me at:
LKBateman@gmail.com
STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE:
GOING GREEN: AT THE GROCERY STORE