Land

 

#1 Go Local

Buy locally produced food as much as possible – visit farmer’s markets and support supermarkets that source local food. Food that has not travelled as much and has less packaging contributes less to climate change. Learn more at http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Reference/SustainableLiving/FoodMiles/

#2 Green Gold

Turn your green waste into rich compost – creating a better garden and a smaller landfill. Composted green waste improves the health of your soil and the productivity of your garden.  Learn more at http://www.reducerubbish.govt.nz/compost/index.html

#3 Recycle – for the Land’s Sake

Reduce, recycle and reuse! Carry your own shopping bag and refuse a plastic bag when items are well packaged. Recycle or reuse packaging whenever you can. You’ll help keep landfills smaller and use less of the world’s resources. Learn more at http://www.reducerubbish.govt.nz/recycle/index.html

#4 Worms are our Friends

Look after the worms in your soil – they need a pH of 5.4 - 6.2, plenty of food and air, perhaps a bit of lime, and some compost on the side. You’ll encourage other good guys in the soil, and help soil drainage and productivity. Learn more at http://www.wormsrus.co.nz/aboutearthworms.html

#5 Plant a Tree

In fact, plant lots of trees! Trees clean our air, look great and protect our soil. In a storm, forest cover is far more effective than grass at protecting steep land from erosion. Find out about local tree planting days at http://www.environmentnetwork.org.nz

#6 Hang onto your Banks

If your place has a stream, reduce the amount of lawn along it - the shallow roots of lawn grasses offer little protection against erosion. By planting on stream edges you’ll increase native habitat and reduce your mowing time. Learn more about what to plant at http://www.dexcel.co.nz/data/usr/Manawatu_Wanganui_07.pdf

#7 Let it Lie

Leave grass cuttings on the lawn. Cuttings act as a moisture-retentive mulch and natural fertiliser, and recycling them will reduce the rubbish load to our landfills. Get some eco-lawn care ideas at http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=greener&pcat=homegarden

#8 Use Sprays Sparingly

Avoid using toxic pesticides in your garden—they often kill the beneficial organisms in your soil and can harm birds, frogs and reptiles. If you must use pesticides in the garden, opt for those made from natural ingredients, such as pyrethrum, or try other organic methods. Learn more at http://www.organicpathways.co.nz/garden/index.html

#9 Be Fertiliser Smart

Minimise the use of fertilisers in your garden and on your farm - they can find their way into waterways. Nitrogen and other chemicals in fertiliser can also seep through the soil and pollute groundwater, especially in sandy soils. Don’t fertilise if you know it’s going to rain within 24 hours, so that it does not wash away where it’s not wanted. Learn more at http://www.wisenuse.co.nz/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

#10 Stay off the Dunes

Stick to the tracks and keep off the sand dunes. Coastal sand dunes are held together by the plants that grow on them and if these get pulled up or disturbed - there is little to stop the sand from blowing away. Be careful where you drive your car or motorbike.