TOP 50 SAFE & SIMPLE GREEN LIFESTYLE IDEAS
1. Organic Landscape: design, installation and consultation-We offer a full array of landscape services for all your lawn and garden needs. All services MOG provides are approached with environmental care in mind, and we use only safe and natural organic gardening products. We can provide computerized design and estimates for any size residential or commercial job.
2. Green Construction: design, installation, consultation- From decks and arbors to gazebos and tool sheds, MOG utilizes environment friendly “Green” building materials on all projects, no matter how large or small. We also construct patios, walls, staircases, water features, statues, enclosed home additions and outdoor lifestyle areas. If you can dream it, we can build it, naturally.
3. Composite Decking and Fencing- Composite wood looks and feels like real wood, without the splinters, splits or need for annual staining. The 100% recycled plastic/wood fibers are virtually impervious to warp, rot, decay or other damage from insects or moisture. The composite boards come in several earth tones, and are extremely colorfast. These boards do not require any chemical dipping, preservative treatments or water sealing.
4. Living Eco-Roof- Green roofs have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years to insulate homes in the winter, and to keep them cool in the summer. Living Roofs have the ability to absorb toxins from rainwater and to reduce runoff from roofs, lessening rainwater in storm drains. Living roofs are also aesthetically pleasing, and offices utilizing Green Roofs have been proven to have higher worker productivity.
5. Rain Barrel- Rain barrels are used to capture rainwater runoff from rooftops. Most rain barrels hold 50+ gallons of rainwater, which help to lessen storm water run off from gutters and downspouts. Rain barrel water can be used to irrigate garden areas, refilling water features, or washing tools, windows and cars. Rain barrels are a great environmental solution to water conservation, and a simple way to reduce water pollution.
6. Permeable Flagstone Patio- Reduce water runoff from your property by utilizing more permeable sidewalk and driveway areas. Flagstone patios have crevices between stones that allow water to permeate directly into the ground instead of running off property. Supersand is a crevice sealant that dries rock hard in paver and flagstone patios. Supersand is used to prevent weed growth, erosion and ant mounding, yet still allows rainwater to drain through patio gaps even when cured.
7. Compost Bin- Compost is recycling at its finest, and what better way to keep your composting area clean and organized than with a 100% recycled plastic compost bin. Materials such as yard waste, vegetable kitchen scraps, and soil can be mixed together to create high quality garden soil and mulch. Compost helps to loosen clay-bound soils, feeds both plants and soil organisms, and reduces the need to irrigate lawns and gardens.
8. Solar Panels- Solar energy reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, and reduces the amount of local air pollution. Enough sunlight reaches the earth’s surface each year to produce approximately 1000 times the same amount of energy produced by burning all fossil fuels mined and extracted during the same period. Sunlight does not have to be explored, mined, extracted, transported, combusted, transmitted — or imported. Please visit www.dovetailsolar.com for more information about solar and wind energy.
9. Cedar- Besides looking great, cedar is renowned for its durability. Also, cedar is naturally insect and rot resistant, so it doesn’t need to be treated with toxic stains or sealants. Most cedar is grown in controlled forests, with strict codes governing harvesting and reforestation. Cedar can be used to veneer pressure treated wood, side buildings or construct arbors and other outdoor buildings.
10. ‘No VOC’ Paint- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), until recently, were essential to the performance of paints. Paints containing VOCs, according to the EPA, are among the top 5 indoor air pollutants. ‘ No VOC’ paints reduce allergies, chemical sensitivities and ozone depleting contaminants. ‘No VOC’ paints have low to no odor, easy-to-use, and are just as durable and cost-effective as conventional toxic paints without the harmful chemical out gassing
11. Coir (Coconut Husk) Siding- Coir fibers are moth proof, and resistant to fungi and rot. This renewable resource provides excellent insulation against temperature and sound. Coir is well known for being flame-retardant, and unaffected by moisture and dampness. Coir fibers are naturally tough and durable, resilient, static free and easy to clean. These characteristic make the coir fibers useful in outdoor mats, ropes, siding, garden mulch, potting soil, aquarium filters and for soil retention in hanging baskets.
12. Low Voltage Lighting- Low voltage lighting, by definition, operates at 30 volts or less. When powered properly, low voltage lighting produces two-and-a-half times as much light as line voltage incandescent lamps. Stated in other terms, a 50-watt low voltage lamp generates as much light as a 125-watt line voltage lamp. Other reasons to consider low voltage lighting include: light quality, design flexibility, safety, and lack of waste.
13. Xeriscape Gardens- This gardening practice utilizes plants requiring low irrigation needs in order conserve water usage. Compost and mulches are great amendments to the xeriscape garden because they help to hold and regulate soil moisture so affectively. Xeriscape gardens also take advantage of land grade, which can help to divert rainwater toward the garden areas to reduce runoff and garden watering needs.
14. Waste Recycling Bin- Recycling creates 1.1 million jobs per year. Every ton of paper recycled saves 17 full-grown trees. Recycling diverts nearly 70 million tons away from landfills every year. Recycling prevents habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and soil erosion associated with logging and mining. Recycling helps us reduce our reliance on foreign oil.
15. Bird House- Birdhouses attract a great diversity of bird species to ones yard. Plain, unpainted wood birdhouses are very appealing to birds. Birds not only offer us free labor for insect control, but also provide a great source of stress relieving therapy throughout the seasons. 2-3 basic sizes of birdhouses will suit the needs of most birds, but the size of the entry hole, not the box, is the main factor that determines which birds will use the birdhouse.
16. Bird Feeder- The fastest way to a bird’s heart is through its stomach. To attract the greatest diversity of birds, you will need to supply food for the tree major categories of birds: seedeaters, insect eaters and berry eaters. Install bird feeders in tree level, bush level and ground level to cater to more bird varieties. A small handful of coarse sand and finely crushed eggshell set in separate piles near the feed are excellent supplements to the bird diet.
17. Birdbath- Water is a must for any well-rounded bird sanctuary. Bird’s need water to hydrate and clean themselves. Shallow pools of less than 3” work best. Birds are attracted to constant water movement or a steady drip. The best way to draw birds to your water feature is to place it in close proximity to bird feeders. The most important maintenance with any birdbath is to wash it regularly with soap, and change the water often to reduce disease potential.
18. Bird Dust bath- Some birds enjoy ruffling their wings and tails in shallow, sunny dust-bowls rather than traditional birdbaths. This practice helps birds realign their tiny interlocking barbs of feathers, as well as removing excess oils, mites, lice and other parasites. Watching a bird at a dust bath is as entertaining as watching one splash in a water puddle.
19. Hummingbird Feeder- Colorful plastic or glass nectar feeders filled with 1part sugar to 4 parts water, will attract hummingbirds to ones yard. Regular granulated sugar melts quickly in boiling water. Let water cool before you fill the feeder. Avoid using red coloring in feeder because it isn’t necessary, and may harm the birds. Hummingbird feeders without perches help to discourage larger birds that may otherwise hog the nectar feeders.
20. Bat House- As the primary predators of night-flying insects, bats play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. And, as consumers of vast numbers of pests, they rank among humanity’s most valuable allies. A single little brown bat or big brown bat, some of the most abundant and widespread bats in North America, can eat 3,000 to 7,000 mosquitoes each night, and a bat can live to be 20 years old. North American native bats are harmless to humans, and a safe and affective alternative to chemical pesticides.
21. Gardening Tools- No matter what the gardening project calls for, there is a gardening tool to help keep the job safe and simple. Gardening tools speed up work progress and reduce damage to valuable landscape plants when used properly. Ergonomically designed tools help to minimize hand and wrist stress, and can prevent work related injuries. Ultimately, using the right tool for the job will allow one to build, maintain and enjoy more garden spaces with fewer work related accidents.
22. Recycled Newspaper- Whether you have a serious incidence of weeds, or just want to prevent future outbreaks, layered newspaper will significantly reduce weed invasions in the garden. Prior to bed mulching in early spring, lay 6-8 layers of newspaper over the entire surface of beds, carefully overlapping adjacent sheets like a shingled roof. Newspaper should abut the base of all existing garden plants, then cover over newspaper with mulch of choice.
23. Edible Mushrooms- There is dozens of edible mushroom varieties that can be easily grown in a residential landscape or vegetable garden. Many of the edible varieties such as Shitake, Oyster and Maitake can be grown on hardwood logs or woodchips. Most logs inoculated with edible mushrooms will continue to produce mushrooms for 6-8 years. Most edible mushrooms also bear medicinal benefits and can be used for environmental restoration (mycorestoration) projects.
24. Organic Herbs- We can grow dozens of herbs in both containers and garden areas for their aesthetics, culinary and medicinal attributes. Most herbs enjoy well-drained soils in full sun that have a moderate amount of composted materials. Organically grown herbs lessen soil and ground water contamination, generally taste better and have more nutritional value. Organically grown herbs usually require infrequent applications of low nitrogen, organic fertilizer like Marvin’s Organic Gardens 3-3-3.
25. Organic Vegetables- The high cost of organically grown vegetables is partly due to the shipping cost, since few local farmers garden organically. It is better to support local farmers markets, because fresh, organic produce has more nutritional value, and because it helps to support our local economy. Anyone can raise their own organic vegetables and fruits, which grow best in deep, richly composted soils in full sun. Most organically grown vegetables and fruits benefit from biweekly applications of well-balanced organic fertilizers such as Marvin’s Organic Gardens 8-3-3.
26. Reclaimed Materials- Incorporating reclaimed stone and other building materials are a great way add a historical element to landscape and construction projects. Most reclaimed building materials add unique character to projects, and provide a great opportunity to recycle. Materials such as: stone, wood, brick, wrought iron, glass and concrete can be reclaimed and incorporated into landscape and construction projects.
27. Bamboo- Considered to be one of the most versatile plants for human use, bamboo is a viable replacement for wood. Bamboo is a renewable resource for agro forestry production, and is the fastest growing plant on the planet. As a valued natural resource, bamboo can be used for clothing, food, medicine, construction and gardening. In the landscape, bamboo can be used to create privacy, garden art, birdhouses, trellises and beanpoles. Bamboo does not require conventional chemical fertilizers or pesticides to maintain its vigor.
28. House Plants- The EPA ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five threats to human health. Houseplant provide a simple and attractive solution to reduce indoor air pollution and increase fresh oxygen levels in our homes. The foliage of houseplants has the ability to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde from the air and move them into the soil to be broken down into harmless substances by soil organisms. Houseplants are also helpful in reducing harmful airborne microbes and mold spores from our homes and offices.
29. Worm Bins- Earthworms promote soil and plant health. Some of the many benefits of earthworms include: improved soil structure by breaking up compacted soils, enriching the soil by bringing up minerals deep within the soil subsurface, breaking down harmful chemicals, making nutrients more available for plant root uptake, eliminating lawn thatch, encourage root growth of valued plants, suppressed weed growth, soil erosion prevention and improved water infiltration and absorption. Worm bins are the perfect way to reduce vegetable scraps in our kitchens and to build earthworm populations for better garden soils.
30 Mycorrhizal Fungi- These beneficial fungi attach themselves to the roots of most plants, and help access nutrients and water that the plants cannot obtain by themselves. In return, the mycorrhizal fungi feed on sugar that is exuded as waste from the plant roots. Mycorrhizae also help by: increasing plants drought tolerance, increasing disease resistance, improved soil aeration, reduced soil compaction and more productive root growth. Marvin’s Organic Gardens encourages the use of CPR Mycorrhizal Fungi as a necessary amendment to all potting soil mixes for optimum plant health.
31. Plant More Trees- Trees around your home increase its value up to 20%, and help to lessen global warming by removing CO2 from the air. Landscaping with trees around your home can help to reduce soil erosion, yet can also add unique, aesthetically pleasing year-round vertical interest in your yard. Properly placed trees can help to reduce air conditioning and heating cost by up to 50 percent. Many Ohio native trees contribute to bird and wildlife habitat and food supply, while others provide nutritious and edible fruit and nuts for us to enjoy.
32. Organic Fertilizers- Most organic fertilizers consist of plant or animal remains, which require far less fossil fuels to make when compared to conventional chemical fertilizers. Because organic fertilizers are derived from natural ingredients, there is very low risk of ground water contamination. Organic fertilizers feed not only plants, but soil life as well, which can promote natural pest resistance and drought tolerance. Organic fertilizers persist in the soil for long periods due to insolubility, so fewer applications are required.
33. Corn Gluten- This natural pre-emergent weed control contains naturally occurring substances that inhibit weed seeds tiny feeder roots when applied to lawns and garden in early spring, late spring and fall. Also, C.G. naturally contains 9% nitrogen which helps promote healthy lawn and landscape growth.
34. Burn Out Weed Control- This safe, fast acting product is for non-selective control of most broadleaf and grass weeds. Burn Out is most affective when applied on warm, sunny days, and can be used to spot treat weeds in lawns, mulch beds, patio, walkways, fence lines and driveways.
35. Milky Spore- An all-natural bacteria-based product for Japanese beetle control developed by the USDA that will not harm beneficial insects, humans or animals. Once applied, Milky Spore can last up to 20 years in your soil controlling Japanese beetle grubs. This safe grub control product can be applied to open lawns, mulch beds, flower and vegetable gardens.
36. Diatomaceous Earth- This safe and affective control for ants, fleas, ticks, slugs, termites, spiders and roaches is derived from fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. This product is so safe that it can be rubbed right into your dog or cat’s fur for flea control. Can be applied around home foundations, around garden plants and in the corners and crevices inside your home.
37. Deer Scram- Our most popular organic granular deer and rabbit scent based repellant works for up to 45-60 days, even when rained on. D.S. has no foul odor to people, but when applied as a protective band at the base of vulnerable plants, will prevent damage to valuable landscape plants and vegetable crops, and also acts as a mild fertilizer.
38. Fertilome Bt- This naturally occurring biological/microbial insecticide-based spray is intended for control of bagworms, borers, leaf miners and most leaf-eating caterpillars. When larvae eat the treated plant leaves, the Bt bacteria destroys their stomachs, and kills target insects in 1-2 days. It is most effective to apply Bt to young, heavily feeding larvae, and poses no health risk to humans, pets, birds, bees and fish.
39. Mosquito Barrier- When first sprayed, the natural sulfurs kill the mosquitoes that are struck by the spray, and afterwards any mosquitoes entering the area detect the garlic sulfurs and avoid the area for 2-4 weeks. The M.B. spray also works well to keep fleas and ticks from your yard, and is entirely safe for humans, pets and wildlife. M.B. is designed for spraying on all plant foliage and areas of standing water.
40. Regional Native Plants- Plants indigenous to our area are naturally adapted to drought and cold winter extremes, and many are accustomed to our clay-bound soils. Native plants cater to wildlife habitat, and provide a valuable food source for many birds and beneficial insects. There are native plants for deep shade to full sun, and very wet soils to arid conditions. Many native trees, shrubs and perennials bear edible fruit or nuts, and add immense aesthetic value to our yards.
41. Moving Water Feature for Wildlife- Whether you have a waterfall, bubbling water feature, or pond less moving water feature, you can attract more birds and other wildlife to your yard and gardens. Birds and other wildlife require water for both hydration and cleansing, and are more likely to visit yards with moving water. Stagnant or still water will not attract wildlife as often, and still water attracts mosquitoes and algae growth.
42. Amphibian Habitat- The average frog and toad live from 4 to 15 years, and are voracious pest insect predators. You can create a shallow 10”-12” rubber lined pond in the ground with gently sloping sides, and fill the bottom with small gravel. Rocks, logs or branches protruding from the pond will be more attractive to frogs and toads for access into the water feature. You will need to position the frog and toad pond so that 2/3 of the pond is in shade, and avoid areas where chemical may erode into pond. Frogs and toads provide a natural symphony of mating calls, which most folks love, though others may not enjoy as much. So, please consider your neighbors when seeking a location for your amphibian habitat, and always use native plants around your feature so they’ll feel more at home.
43. Natural Stone Walls- Natural stone adds a sense of permanence to any gardening project. Irregular or cut wall stone can be dry-stacked (without mortar) for increased drainage or mortared for added durability. Stone retaining walls also add a ‘natural feel’ to a yard or garden, and can be constructed with boulders as well as flat field/creek stone. Boulders can help to create a rustic mountainside feel to a landscape, and come in many sizes and colors. Low 8”-10” edging walls bordering a garden bed help to accentuate the garden and hold mulch/soil in place.
44. Energy Efficient Windows and Doors- Energy efficiency is on every ones lips these days, and rightfully so. Purchasing Energy Star windows and doors assures homeowners that they get what they paid for. In addition to energy savings, homeowners should seek windows that provide added comfort, less condensation, increased light and view and reduced fading potential. Both windows and doors should provide and lower (HVAC) heating, ventilation and air conditioning cost.
45. Organic Fruit- All fruit bearing trees, shrubs, perennials, biennials and annuals can be grown without the need for toxic chemical pesticides and herbicides. Most fruit bearing plants can be harvested from mid summer through fall. Balanced applications of phosphorous can be used in proper moderation to increase fruiting yield, but be careful not to overdue it. Bat Guano and Bone Meal are two excellent natural sources of phosphorous. Synthetic phosphorous fertilizers should be avoided due to their toxic inert ingredients and potential for over acidifying the soil.
46. Organic Seeds- Our conventional agricultural methods are polluting our planet, ourselves and future generations, as well as squandering our valuable soil, water, and energy resources. Preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable, organic agriculture are important to our way of life and the health of our planet. We support www.seedsofchange.com who seek to do this by cultivating and disseminating an extensive range of open-pollinated, organically grown, heirloom and traditional vegetable, flower and herb seeds.
47. The Greater Cincinnati Rain Garden Alliance- This non profit organization is set up to help promote the establishment of rain gardens on both the residential and commercial level. Rain gardens, shallow 8”-12” depression with native plants, help to reduce rainwater runoff from properties that would otherwise overload storm drains, combined sewer systems, creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Another valuable function of rain gardens is that they help to absorb and break down chemical residue, salts and fecal matter before they enter our waterways. For more information on rain gardens, or to make donations, please contact The Greater Cincinnati Rain Garden Alliance at www.millcreekwatershed.org/rain-gardens.html
48. Mill Creek Restoration Project- Mill Creek Restoration Project (MCRP) is a private nonprofit organization created in 1994. Its mission is to serve as catalyst for developing sustainability in the Mill Creek watershed through community-based planning and empowerment, environmental education, and economically sound ecological restoration. MCRP is working with local governments, businesses and citizens to implement pilot greenway projects that will help to improve water quality and ecosystem health, stimulate economic revitalization, and contribute to the quality of life for Mill Creek watershed neighborhoods and suburban communities. For more information about the program, or to make donations, contact MCRP, http://www.millcreekrestoration.org
49. Rivers Unlimited- RU is an Ohio statewide group created by citizens to protect and restore our rivers. They are the oldest in the nation, founded in 1972. RU works to restore, maintain and improve the 61,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state. The condition of our river waters and corridors affects our economy, our health, our environment, our quality of life, the value of our property and the sustainability of our communities. 40% of our river miles – 140,000 miles -are not fishable or swimmable. They’ve been given over to sewage, industrial, mining including mountain top removal, and agricultural erosion and runoff. For more information about RU, or to make donations, contact RU at http://www.riversunlimited.org
50. Go Organic! It’s Only Natural. – For every pest insect, weed, fungus or rodent problem that arises, there is always a safe and natural approach. You no longer need to rely on toxic chemical pesticides to treat the unwanted pests that arise, because Marvin’s Organic Gardens has an organic alternative for all your pest challenges. We promote pest control products that alleviate pest issues without posing harm to human, animals or the environment. For questions or help with organic plants or products, please call us at 513.932.3319, email us at info@marvinsorganicgardens.com or stop in to see us! Go Organic! It’s Only Natural.
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