How to Create an Environmentally Friendly Outdoor Living Space for Your Family

76Shares

Creating an environmentally friendly outdoor space for your family will be great for several reasons. First, it will be a perfect getaway from the technology noise of modern times. Secondly, it will provide you a comfortable and magical place for you and your family to spend quality time together. Lastly, it will help you reduce your ecological footprint and create a healthy environment.

Here’s How to Create Your Safe Outdoor Haven.

Opt for Sustainable Materials

When you’re building the patio or the deck and choosing the outdoor furniture, pay attention to the material you use. In case you want a wooden deck, stick to reclaimed wood, cork or bamboo – you’ll get two-in-one: a stylish and eco-friendly solution.

Other than wood, you can go for natural stone and brick or even recycled plastic and permeable concrete for paving. The best thing about them is that they come in various textures and colors, so you can choose whatever fits your style and vision.

Grow Native Plants

Plants are the essential part of any outdoor space but to make it a truly eco-friendly garden, pay attention to the plants you choose. You should stick to plants native to your area – they won’t make a big transportation impact and they will also need less water in order to grow. This means reduced water consumption and still have wonderful flowers and foliage surrounding your deck.

Reuse the Existing Items

No need to spend money to furnish the whole outdoor space. There are probably items in the attic or the garage that only need to be given a small makeover. Maybe you have a couple of old chairs that will look good as new after painting or vintage decorative items that are forgotten in the basement that would fit perfectly into the outdoor style you’re creating? You will save money and help the environment, but you’ll also add a personal touch to space.

Use Solar Energy for Lighting

Forget about floodlights that will consume energy. It will be more energy-efficient and stylish to install solar lighting along with the patio and walkways. When you want additional ambiance glow to amaze your guests, put solar installations on flowerbeds – it will look magical.

Get Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Outdoor cushions add to the comfort and also serve as decorative items. It doesn’t mean they can’t eco-friendly. Choose the ones made of environmentally friendly materials. If you are also considering an outdoor rug, opt for the one made of bamboo, jute or sisal.

Perfect Shade

Even if you enjoy the sun, you need to protect your children from harmful UV radiation. Also, sustainability also means taking care of your outdoor furniture’s durability. If you constantly keep it under the bright sun, it won’t last long. Therefore, you need to provide shade for your family and the deck. The best way not to be dependable on the weather and to save energy is to opt for solutions like retractable awnings, as products like these also block the excessive warmth get in your home while protecting you from the direct sun while sitting outside.

Use Natural Decorative Items

Decorative items for the outdoor space don’t have to be modern and expensive – they should be in touch with nature. Place a birdbath somewhere in the garden – it will be great fun for your kids to watch birds. A small pond can be the water feature every outdoor space should have. Ceramic pots put in the right places with the right plants make a perfect decoration for the deck. Lastly, items like wind chimes and ornaments will fit in perfectly, as long as they are made of natural materials.

Final Words

An environmentally friendly outdoor space is the best place for you to spend with your family. You all get the chance to enjoy natural surroundings while also making your contribution to helping the environment.

About
Latest Posts

Stella Ryne

Stella is an art historian, entrepreneur, conscious consumer and a proud mother. She can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement/DIY projects. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book.

More from Anne Cohen Writes