Sustainable Exteriors: How to Create an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Living Space

Sustainable Exteriors: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating beautiful outdoor living areas that are also eco-friendly can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you create a sustainable exterior that can last for years to come. Here is a guide to eco-friendly outdoor living spaces, including tips to consider before you begin construction.

Assess Your Landscape

The first thing you need to do when creating a sustainable outdoor living space is to assess the existing landscape. Understand the amount of sunlight available, the soil type, the drainage of the area, and any other factors that may influence your design decisions. Once you have a better understanding of your current landscape, it will be easier to move forward with a plan that is both realistic and sustainable.

Choose Sustainable Materials

In order to create an eco-friendly outdoor living space, you need to use materials that are sustainable. It is important to research the materials you are considering to ensure they are produced in a way that is environmentally friendly. Sustainable materials to consider include:

• Recycled wood: Recycled wood is a great option for outdoor structures, like decks and patios. As long as the wood is in good condition, it can last for many years.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is a renewable resource that is often used for flooring and furniture.
• Metal: Metals like stainless steel or aluminum are durable and long-lasting, and can be recycled easily.
• Sustainable plastics: Polyethylene plastic and other sustainable plastics are becoming popular for outdoor furniture.

Go Local

Using local materials is another great way to create an eco-friendly outdoor living space. Shopping locally helps reduce emissions associated with transportation, and you can be sure the materials you are using were produced in an environmentally friendly way. Consider going to a salvage yard to find building materials, or look for furniture and plants that are native to your area.

Choose Sustainable Landscaping

When creating an outdoor living space, the landscaping should also be eco-friendly. Consider replacing your grass with a sustainable option, like artificial turf, which requires little maintenance and no water. Native plants are also a great choice, since they use less water than non-native plants and provide food and shelter to local wildlife.

Install Renewable Energy

When planning a sustainable outdoor living space, it is important to consider renewable energy options. If your outdoor living space is close enough to the home to access the electrical grid, you may be able to install solar panels. If that is not an option, you could look into installing a wind turbine or a biodigester to generate renewable energy.

Final Thoughts

Creating an eco-friendly outdoor living space is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and enjoy the outdoors. Assessing the existing landscape, choosing sustainable materials, going local, and installing renewable energy are all important steps to creating a sustainable living space that you can enjoy for years to come.