Alternative Energy
Keywords: carbon footprint, purchasing locally, electric, solar, compass orientation (passive construction)
Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to adapt to and mitigate the challenges of climate change. Landscape horticulturists have more choices than ever before when it comes to selecting materials and equipment that can help reduce their carbon footprint.
Over the past few years, the horticulture industry has been undergoing a significant shift away from fossil-fuel-powered equipment and towards greener and more sustainable alternatives. Purchasing landscape materials from local businesses, and using electric-powered equipment is becoming increasingly popular, and solar-powered landscape lighting and onsite power sources are also gaining in popularity as horticulturalists seek to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Overall, the use of electric and solar-powered equipment can play an important role in promoting sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Video credit: The carbon cycle – Nathaniel Manning, (TED-Ed, 2012)
Selecting local materials for landscape horticulture can have several benefits.
- Reduce transportation: purchasing local materials can reduce transportation costs and associated emissions, as materials that are sourced from far away require more fuel for transportation. By selecting local materials, horticulturalists can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Climate-adapted plant material: local plant material is better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, meaning plants are more likely to thrive and require less maintenance.
- Support the local economy: selecting local materials can support the local economy by keeping money and jobs in the community.
Overall, selecting local materials can have both environmental and economic benefits for landscape horticulture businesses and businesses that support horticulturalists doing their work.
The use of electric-powered equipment can contribute to greater sustainability in several ways:
- Reduced carbon emissions: electric-powered equipment produces fewer carbon emissions compared to equipment powered by fossil fuels. This reduction in emissions helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which is a major threat to the sustainability of our planet.
- Noise reduction: electric-powered equipment is generally quieter than equipment powered by fossil fuels, which can reduce noise pollution in communities and improve the quality of life for residents.
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels: electric-powered equipment can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite resources and contribute to air pollution and other environmental problems.
- Access to renewable energy sources: electric-powered equipment can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as