Home » Blog » Green Your Scene: The Buzz About Sustainable Living Green Your Scene: The Buzz About Sustainable Living August 11, 2025 Green, Herbs, Landscape, Perennials, Plants, Recycle, Van Putte Gardens, Vegetables, Watering, Wildlife Sustainable living isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle that millennials and Gen X are embracing, and for good reason! As we face increasing environmental challenges, turning to eco-friendly practices can make a lasting difference in reducing our carbon footprints. One area where you can make an immediate impact? Your landscape. Whether you’re a city dweller with a balcony or have a sprawling backyard, sustainable living landscapes offer a creative, green solution to balance eco-consciousness with aesthetic appeal. What is a Sustainable Landscape? Simply put, it’s a design that incorporates sustainable practices to conserve resources, promote biodiversity, and reduce environmental impact. Imagine lush, native plants that thrive without needing tons of water, landscapes that produce your own herbs and veggies, and eco-conscious materials that help preserve the earth’s natural beauty. Check out this herb garden we installed, complete with a central sitting area to relax and unwind! ( pictured right > ) Why It Matters? In a world where we’re all feeling the effects of climate change, it’s crucial that we find ways to minimize our environmental impact. Landscapes play a key role in energy conservation, water management, and supporting local wildlife. Sustainable landscaping is a smart way to tackle these issues, creating beautiful, functional spaces while doing your part to protect the planet. Plus, it’s low maintenance! If you’ve got a busy lifestyle (hello, work, family, and social commitments!), sustainable landscaping means less time spent watering, fertilizing, and dealing with pests. Sustainable Landscaping Ideas for Your Space Embrace Native Plants: Native plants are like the superheroes of landscaping—they’re hardy, low-maintenance, and they thrive in your local climate. A well-placed native garden can be a haven for pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s eco-friendly and low-maintenance—win-win! Think wildflowers, native grasses, and shrubs that add texture and color to your space. Smart Watering: Xeriscaping is the art of designing landscapes that minimize water usage Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, using less water and reducing runoff. You can also collect rainwater with a rain barrel—free water straight from the sky, and it’s perfect for watering your garden. Create An Edible Garden: Growing your own food isn’t just for homesteaders. Start with a few herbs on your windowsill or transform a section of your yard into a garden. It’s an eco-friendly way to reduce food miles, eat fresher, and cut down on packaging waste. Bonus: it’s rewarding to harvest and cook meals with your own homegrown produce! Compost & Recycle: Composting organic waste reduces landfill waste and turns your scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Not only is it great for your garden, but it also cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. Eco-Friendly Materials: When planning your landscape, choose sustainable materials like recycled stone, reclaimed wood, or bamboo. These options are durable, look great, and reduce your carbon footprint. You can also incorporate these materials into your outdoor furniture, creating a cohesive, sustainable look. Green Energy-Friendly Features: If you love spending time outside, why not go solar? Solar-powered Garden lights, chargers, or even a solar water feature can help reduce your energy use and create a cozy, energy-efficient space to unwind. Incorporate Eco-Friendly Design on Any Budget Sustainable living landscapes aren’t just for those with huge backyards or endless funds. Whether you’re renting an apartment or have a small yard, there are tons of ways to embrace eco-friendly landscaping—without breaking the bank. Start small—add a few native plants, repurpose some old materials, or use your DIY skills to build your own garden. As you get more into it, you’ll see that sustainable choices are often more affordable and easier to maintain. With a little planning and creativity (and any assistance you need from us!), you can have a beautiful, functional outdoor space that benefits both you and the planet. Get started this Spring! The earth (and your future self) will thank you! Thanks for joining and stay tuned for next time!