Native Plants Reduce Carbon Emissions: Clean Energy
Amie Comeau, Yahoo Contributor Network May 6, 2010
Native plants provide the most feasible solution to reducing carbon emissions. The largest contributor to carbon emissions is the destruction of natural habitat for industry. Carbon emission reduction is a priority for fighting climate change. Lawn care wastes more energy and water than fostering a native plant garden. Other issues with garden landscaping include the introduction of invasive species which can suffocate the diversity of species on your property.
Carbon Reduction
Carbon emissions are created by industry, transportation and fossil fuels that release CO2, which becomes trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Global warming is directly affected by excess CO2 in the atmosphere. The act of planting grass seed, watering grass seed, manicuring the lawn and fertilizing may not be the most efficient use of energy resources. The carbon footprint of native plants reduces greenhouse gas emissions according to studies at the University of Texas, Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson’s Wildflower Center.
Forest Conservation
More carbon monoxide is released into the atmosphere in the destruction of forest lands than any other kind of carbon emissions. Terrestrial plants capture more CO2 than all oceans combined. The EPA can help research native plants for your area. When planting your native garden to replace traditional lawns, consider that you are restoring balance to the environment and reducing stress.
Sustainability
Native plants create biodiversity and provide a higher rate of CO2 exchange through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the chemical process that plants use to draw carbon from the air and exchange it for oxygen, O2. The University of Minnesota horticultural program promotes sustainable landscapes for increased biodiversity, water quality and the social benefits of increased property value and low maintenance. Contact your local university extension office to become an advocate for native landscaping and sustainable gardening.
Low Costs
Native plants unlike grass lawns need little fertilizer, pesticide or extra watering. Native plants actively contribute to more oxygen in the atmosphere, therefore they reduce carbon emissions from lawnmowers, cars and fossil fuels. The benefit of using plants to improve water quality further contributes to sustainable landscapes. Gardens with native plants also attract animals and birds. Native seeds are less expensive than transplanting your lawn, according to tips from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Benefits
Less is more when you consider carbon reduction by native plants. Benefits of native landscaping are the reduction of pollutants in run-off water for streams and lakes, protection of biodiversity that naturally reduces excess CO2, and nature is less costly than lawn maintenance. The effective prevention of erosion while preserving aquatic species is a benefit of native plants near streams, wells, and lakes.
