How to Green Your Yard
Ways To Green Your Home: Green Your Yard
1. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection
for Your House
This simple step can help you save money on heating
and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful
views around your home.
2. Use Native Plantings
Native plants have been growing and evolving in your
area for thousands of years and, as a result, have
adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they
are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exotic
plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer
and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping
techniques can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/
garden/.
3. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques
Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply
pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets
at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households
have pesticides stored within reach of children. About
230,000 people each year are treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn
and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are
affected by pesticides and garden equipment emissions.
About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED® for Homes
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. With the help of a cadre of national experts and experienced green homebuilders, USGBC has developed LEED for Homes as a voluntary initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. It provides a much-needed nationally applicable tool for homebuilders and other professionals in the residential industry for building environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-efficient places to live. For more information about LEED for Homes, visit the USGBC Web site at www.usgbc.org./leed/homes.
US Green Building Council
1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
www.usgbc.org
