Made in the shade

Consider planting deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly on the south side of your co-op. In the summer, these plantings will cool your buildings, saving you energy. In the winter they will shed their leaves and allow the sun to shine in, helping you to passively heat and cool your home. If you are planning to install solar panels, make sure that your plantings won’t shade the panels.

Back to the land

Gardens and landscapes that thrive without chemical pesticides are healthier for you and your family because they reduce the amount of harmful chemicals and compounds around your home. Consider planting a garden full of species native to your region. Because native species are adapted to your local climate, the gardening will need less watering.

Liquidate

Water use is on the increase, placing stress on water systems and making it more difficult for everyone to access good water. Connect the downspouts from your eaves trough to water barrels. Instead of tap water, use this water for your garden. Check with if there are rain-barrel programs in your community.

Cover up

Huge amounts of drinking water are used to water lawns. Replace little-used grass-only areas with well-mulched native plants. This will reduce evaporation by up to 70%, helping conserve water and reduce your use of this utility.