Six Tips For A Greener Patio

by Richard Adams
(UK)

There is little better in the middle of the summer than sitting out on a sunny patio or decking area. Family and friends sitting around, cool drinks on tap and a barbeque going in the background. Bliss.

However with the summer fast approaching, my mind has turned to the issue of how green patios are, and what we can do to reduce our ecological footprint through some commonsense rules.

Avoid The Patio Heater

Patio heaters use a lot of power and heat up the air outside meaning they are massive users (and wasters) of power. So ditch the patio heater this year and instead wrap up in an extra layer if you get cold.

Buy Sustainable Wood Furniture

Patio furniture is available in ever more styles and materials. If you're considering buying new patio furniture then try to make yours eco-friendly.

Either look for new furniture made from sustainable sources or look at the various freecycling sites to see if you can reuse someone else's furniture. Often a lick of varnish will make it look as good as new and will not only help the planet but also your pocket too.

Plant Nectar-Rich Plants In Pots

Animals need out help too. By planting nectar-rich flowers like nicotiana and honeysuckle you not only support our insect life, but also those animals like garden birds and bats which feed on them.

Add A Bird Bath

Animals need water so consider adding an attractive bird bath or small pond to your patio to provide a place for wildlife to drink, bathe and, in some cases, reproduce.

Use Solar Power

Most patios by definition are sunny, so why not capture some of this energy through the use of solar products. For example, solar battery chargers can be used to charge up your digital camera batteries or laptop computer. And solar garden lights will provide a beautiful spectacle after the sun goes down and prolong your evenings.

Remove Weeds With A Hoe

Often weeds will grow up through gaps in your paving over winter. It is tempting to pour on some weed killer which is quick and easy, but also may cause damage to your soil. A better eco living technique is to do it the old-fashioned way with a hoe. This way you use no chemicals and get a workout at the same time.