Landscaping and Gardening for Sustainability PDF Print E-mail

Recycled organics play a significant role in natural and sustainable landscaping.

Consider water resources: Urban homeowners and landscapers can do more than select drought resistant plants to conserve water. The use of compost and mulch not only reduces the amount of watering required, it is also a great way to cut down on the need for herbicides and pesticides as well. Changing landscaping practices can have a positive effect on water quality as well as water conservation, both of which are so important to a healthy and sustainable environment.

There are a number of resources available to help us change the way we manage our gardens and lawns. Using compost in landscaping and gardening helps "closes the loop" in recycling when we purchase and use recovered organic resources.

For more information natural landscaping, visit the Soils for Salmon website or the Washington state Natural Yard Care Brochure.

 

Additional Information

US Composting Council, "A Watershed Manager's Guide to Organics: The Soil Water Connection", March 1997. Copies of this publication and other resources can be obtained through the Composting Council's website.

Soils for Salmon

The Soils for Salmon project, begun by WORC in 1999, has spread awareness that the health of salmon and all our water resources depends on how we treat the soil, especially in developing urban and suburban areas. The project promotes "BMP's" (best management practices) for protecting native soil and restoring disturbed soils with compost. Learn more about soil, water, and current best practices regulations and specifications for builders, developers, designers, and homeowners at SoilsForSalmon.org.