| Landscaping can require significant energy | | | | precious water. Of course, there are irrigation |
| consumption at all levels, from the quarrying, | | | | systems that recycle grey water, sewage or |
| processing and manufacturing of materials, transport, | | | | captured rainwater and this is a good approach to |
| and construction to the use of water, electricity and | | | | maintaining thirsty plants. |
| horticultural chemicals. Landscaping Connections | | | | · As well, landscapers should endeavour to |
| encourages the reduction of energy use through: | | | | build organic systems whether for food, foliage or |
| · Sourcing local materials where possible. This | | | | flowering gardens. Gardens that are dependent on |
| is not always practical or cost effective particularly | | | | chemical use are really a contradiction because a |
| with stone, timber and sculpture. Nevertheless, | | | | garden should be not only beautiful but also a safe, |
| awareness of material sources and the energy and | | | | clean refuge. |
| human resources required to get the products to you | | | | · Electricity to power garden features such |
| is a wise consideration. Always consider alternatives. | | | | as lights, fountains or waterfalls can in some |
| · Using recycled materials: recycled plastics, | | | | situations be derived solely or in part from other than |
| soil from sewage waste, etc. | | | | grid power. The use of solar and wind-generated |
| · Energy conservation in construction is both | | | | electricity is responsible and creative and it increases |
| an environmental and business issue because profit is | | | | peoples' awareness of their consumption. When you |
| maximized when both fuel input and material waste | | | | sit by a water feature powered by the sun you |
| are minimized. For example, patterns for brick paving | | | | become keenly aware of the sun's energy as well as |
| can be chosen to minimize cutting involving time, | | | | satisfied that no coal or uranium is burned frivolously |
| electricity, machine wear-and-tear, saw blades and, | | | | for your pleasure. |
| ultimately, left-over brick waste which then needs to | | | | Landscaping need not be just exterior decoration |
| be disposed of involving more time, energy and | | | | although much of commercial design is still |
| landfill. | | | | approached that way. It can also take into |
| · Where possible the plants chosen for a site | | | | consideration our growing concerns about CO2 by |
| should require minimal or no irrigation. Again, this | | | | creating low-impact, low-maintenance surroundings. |
| reduces material and labour costs and doesn't rely on | | | | |