Sustainability: What Does It Mean?
What Can I Do?

Sustainability is a word that is being used often in regards to how we approach everything from environmental issues to the economy. But what does it mean? Being sustainable means you don’t use up resources faster than they can be replaced. Another way of putting it is; meeting present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

As population and consumption of natural resources increases it has become critical that we learn to live in a more sustainable manner. Habitats that have sustained themselves for centuries are being replaced by development. The habitat that has been created in many developed areas does little to encourage a natural balance. On the contrary, it is often the total opposite. Think of a woodland or meadow that has been leveled for housing or commercial uses. What happens to the biodiversity that enabled that particular ecology to be self sustaining for centuries? It is totally gone!

So what does all this mean for the average person? What difference can an individual make? Actually quite a bit! The following are some ideas the average gardener can easily implement to help sustain our ecosystem.

Decrease yard waste:

Everyone can help by reducing the amount of garden “waste” they create. We throw out an incredible amount of reusable resources! Compost plant material, grass, leaves and food scraps (non meat or dairy). Newspaper can also be shredded and added to compost. Leave grass clippings on the lawn. They are a great fertilizer for the lawn and do not cause thatch. If you have an excess they can be added to the compost pile. Utilize all those fall leaves as mulch or compost. Leaves are also excellent as a protective winter mulch for tender perennials. - Look for recyclable containers when purchasing plants. If you have containers that are not recyclable seek out a nursery or grower who can reuse the plant containers.

Reduce on water waste:

Water is one of the basic needs of life. There is much the average gardener can do to help cut down on the waste and contamination of our water sources.

Put rain water to good use:

Installing a rain barrel or two can save a lot of water that would otherwise go down the drain. Rain barrels can be hooked up to a soaker hose system and water your garden beds directly. You can also use them as a source of water for pots and houseplants. We got a rain barrel this spring and it was amazing how quickly it would fill up. We moved it into the basement for the winter and I’m still using saved water for houseplants. Rain gardens are a wonderful way to utilize areas that get a lot of gutter or storm water runoff. By using plants that thrive in wetter conditions you can plan a garden that is both beautiful and prevents excess water runoff. If you are installing a driveway, walkway, patio, or other hardscape, keep water runoff in mind. There are many water permeable materials available that allow the rainwater to be absorbed into the soil rather than run off and into the sewer. Gravel, sand or other materials can be used between stones and pavers to allow for drainage.

Proper watering techniques
save water:

We waste a lot of water on lawns. Don’t water in the afternoon when the sun is out. Most of this water will just evaporate. The best time is early in the morning or later in the day. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses use much less water than overhead sprinklers. Most plants, including grass, only need an average of 1 inch of water per week. If you do need to water it’s best to water once a week for a long enough time to put down an inch. This can be measured by putting out a shallow can or container to catch the water. Actually grass will go dormant when it’s dry and can live up to 2 months without water.

Reduce pollutants entering the water system:

The average homeowner contributes more chemical pollution to our water system per acre than commercial farming! That is a frightening thought. What can you do as an individual? Stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. A huge percentage of chemicals applied to lawns run off with the rains. Where does it go? It winds up in the sewer system and ultimately into the water supply. Fertilizer runoff is the greatest contributor to algae blooms in lakes and rivers. It deprives aquatic plants and animals of oxygen, thus causing dead zones. There are many natural or eco-friendly products that are very effective to use and less harmful for the environment. Carefully dispose of all chemicals, oils etc. Many pollutants are washed into the sewers from our driveways and other paved areas. These are just a few of the ways that you can help make our lives more sustainable. Imagine how much trash would be eliminated and how much less water would be wasted or contaminated if each of us incorporated just one or two of these suggestions.

Communities In Bloom Gardening Classes

co-sponsored by The Master Gardeners of Erie Co. and Buffalo In Bloom.

Attend a one day seminar, your choice of 3 dates and locations, to learn about perennials, annuals, bulbs, soil and compost, fertilizers, organic gardening, garden design, disease and pest prevention (IPM), growing vegetables and pruning. Each participant will receive a notebook/binder chock full of invaluable gardening information to use as a resource as well as to share with others.

Classes will be held from 9 to 3 at each of the following locations:

April 17th – Allen Hall Civic Room, SUNY at Buffalo Main St. Campus

April 24th – CUCE Dem Room S. Grove St., East Aurora

May 1st – ECC North, Kittinger, rm. 100

The fee is $20 and including the information packed binder. Register soon as seating is limited!

To register contact CUCE (652-5400 ext. 136) or download the registration form at: http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/erie/

Registration forms will also be available at the Master Gardener Booth at Plantasia – March 25-28 at the Hamburg Fair Grounds.