Tips on actions that gardeners can do to reduce their carbon footprint. Includes information on gardening practices, working in communities, and vegetable gardening.

1. Ecogardening: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Linda R McMahan Oregon State University Extension Horticulturist & Botanist [email_address]

3. Climate Change and Gardens Quiz

14. Effects of Possible Climate Changes in Western Oregon Effect Consequence Warmer average temperatures Different plants may be locally adaptive More turbulent weather, possibly more extremes More wind damage, maybe frost & heat damage Higher winter rainfall in western Oregon More water damage, water and chemical runoff, flooding & vegetation changes

16. Some General Rules for Gardens and Landscapes An energy-intensive landscape A low-energy-use landscape

17. If your practices and purchases use fossil fuels, consider using alternative methods Transportation Manufacture Materials Lifetime of Use Direct Fuel Use

18. Use the Power of the Sun Plant trees—they provide shade and moderate temperatures Deciduous trees on the south and west sides of house provide cooling influence in summer and let heat through in winter Use solar lighting if practical Shrubs, lawns, and other vegetation also cools, shades, and protects from wind

19. Go WaterWise Saves water for drinking, agriculture, or wildlife Creates beautiful landscapes Uses fewer chemicals because plants are better adapted Less water means less expended energy for water storage, delivery, and infrastructure http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/eco-gardening penstemon

22. Build a Rain Garden Photo: Rob Emanuel, OSU Extension

23. Think Local Plants & seeds grown locally Native plants grown locally Local products, local sources Nurture native wildlife Control invasive plants and animals in the garden http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/controlling-invasive-plants http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/eco-gardening/native-plant-gardening Iris tenax, a local native plant

24. Think Local, Think Wildlife Plant a Native Plant Garden--Reduce erosion, conserve water, encourage wildlife, lower maintenance

25. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle . . . . Buy used and/or buy sturdy, organize swaps or trades Save seeds Share resources with neighbors Compost at home or use leaves as mulch Use manual methods when you can

27. Grow Your Own Know your food Save transportation costs Create family and community activities Live with the seasons http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/

28. Work Together for Greater Impact Save resources through sharing tools, equipment, plants, and garden space Create a community garden Help each other understand how our actions affect the world’s ecosystems and climate Create a new “look” for your community, maybe not so “tidy”

29. A Special Word About Lawns Leave grass clippings on the lawn to reduce or eliminate fertilizer – “Grasscycling” Use manual equipment when this is practical, with electric-powered being the next choice Once established, let the lawn evolve on its own –perfect turf in Oregon and Washington is a rarity Limit chemical use and seek alternatives to chemicals

32. Go Easy on the Chemical Inputs If needed, consider using natural fertilizers like cottonseed meal or fish emulsion fertilizer Use alternatives to herbicides such as hand weeding Stop and Think: Is there a better way? Nurture Your Soil—it will reward you in return Be tolerant of imperfection and respect natural processes

37. W hat we do in our gardens affects people and ecosystems elsewhere, from our energy use, to what runs off with rainwater or escapes in the air. We cannot draw a bubble around our homes and gardens and live in isolation—it just doesn’t work that way. Thank You!! [email_address] http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/eco-gardening