It’s been proven in study after study, being in nature and getting sunshine every day is instrumental to overall good health and vitality. Since most people still spend a majority of their time near the home base, it makes sense to take a little time to create fantastic outdoor spaces that you can really enjoy. With these eco friendly backyard hacks, you’ll get the how-to guide on setting up the perfect hangout spot in a sustainable fashion. Tips such as installing energy-efficient LED lights and using recycled materials to making simple changes like using less water will help you create an outdoor oasis that is an exemplary model of [environmental awareness at home](https://blog.remoovit.com/2021/03/31/becoming-environmentally-efficient-in-your-home/).

**Composting**

Start with this guide [HERE](https://blog.remoovit.com/2021/11/17/how-composting-works-why-it-helps-the-earth/) on **”How Composting Works & Why It Helps The Earth”** to answer your basic composting questions and get you started on the super-easy composting path.

- Composting greatly improves soil fertility for better plant growth in your gardens.
- No need for chemical fertilizers that have negative effects on many systems.
- It’s a great [kids activity](https://blog.remoovit.com/2021/06/23/10-environmental-stewardship-activities-for-kids/) that will help them learn about growing their own food and using waste at the same time.

**Eco-Friendly Furniture**

Part of making your backyard comfortable and a frequently used space is making sure the furniture is adequate for your family’s needs.

- There are [eco-friendly furniture hacks](https://blog.remoovit.com/2022/03/23/eco-friendly-furniture-hacks/) you can implement in DIY furniture projects.
- There are also many [eco-friendly furniture brands and companies](https://blog.remoovit.com/2022/06/29/the-most-eco-friendly-furniture-brands/) these days that use sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled plastic.
- Purchasing gently used [secondhand furniture](https://thelocalflea.com/) would actually be the most eco-friendly option as it keeps items out of the landfill and in circulation for as long as possible. This is part of what’s called a [Circular Economy](https://blog.remoovit.com/2021/07/21/interview-with-an-expert-understanding-how-a-circular-economy-can-save-us/) and very important to a sustainable society.

**Eco-Friendly Lawn Mowers**

Hopefully, you are considering or implementing food gardens and as many native and drought resistant plants as possible in your yard areas as lawns are not the most eco-friendly choices.

- If you do have grass to mow, choosing eco-friendly lawn movers is going to be your best option.
- Reel mowers are the most environmentally friendly choice as they operate on manual power.
- Electric or solar-powered mowers are both great secondary choices.

**Fire Pit**

It doesn’t matter what climate you live in, having a backyard fire pit is a real bonus. Fire fits are focal points for gathering and really enjoying your outdoor area.

- **Safety is first**. Keep a hose within easy reach for any spur of the moment needs.
- There are many many different types of above ground outdoor fireplaces you can purchase (make sure to choose an eco-friendly option).
- Better yet, build your own.
- Either digging into the ground to make an actual fire pit or building one above ground with some bricks.
- Dig out a shallow 4- to 5-foot-diameter circle; lay a thick layer of gravel level with the ground; next stack large fire bricks or cinder blocks around the edge.

**Hammock**

Having a quiet spot in the shade to relax is definitely a piece of heaven in your backyard. Eco-friendly hammocks are such an easy installation make sure to add this in as part of your eco-friendly backyard hacks.

- Eco-friendly brands are probably available at some of your smaller outdoor shops and local garden centers. If not there are many choices online.
- DIY is also easy enough with a canvas drop cloth (approximately 6’ x 9’), a set of grommets, some o-rings, and strands of rope. Watch an online tutorial for the how-to.

**LED Lights**

One of the easiest ways to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly is to switch to low-voltage LED lights.

- [Low voltage deck lighting](https://in-sider.com/collections/deck-lighting) is much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting.
- Solar-powered LED lights recharge during the day and provide an abundance of light in the evening.

**Native Plants**

Native plants are those species that are acclimated to your local soil type and weather; they require minimal water and are low maintenance.

- No fertilizers and yucky chemicals are needed to keep them alive.
- Native plants are an eco-friendly backyard hack and are perfect for an eco-friendly garden.
- Do some quick research on which plant species are native to your area.
- Hopefully, this will be part of your overall xeriscaping plan (discussed below).

**Rain Barrel**

Placing rain collecting containers into your backyard is high on the list of making it an eco-friendly and sustainable area.

- This efficient water-saving hack is great for feeding plants and washing vehicles or any outside cleaning projects.
- The CDC explains the limitations of using [collected rainwater](https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/rainwater-collection.html), but for backyard and outdoor use, it’s excellent.

**Raised Garden Beds**

Growing your own vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, and other edibles is probably the number one way to make your backyard more eco-friendly and sustainable. Planting those gardens in raised beds makes them much easier to manage.

- Easier to keep weeds at bay.
- Great for drainage and keeping soil irrigated.
- You can build your own with just a few pieces of wood 2x4s, some soil, and your compost.
- A depth of 8 to 12 inches is the ideal setup.
- Place some of the garden beds in partial shade and some in direct sunlight so plants with different lighting needs are met.

**Xeriscaping**

Xeriscaping uses drought-resistant plants that are native to their region. This minimalist landscaping style cuts watering and irrigation needs and is very favored in areas of regular drought.

- Very little water is needed to survive.
- Xeriscaping can help reduce your water bill.
- This type of landscaping also reduces maintenance time as they are mostly self-reliant.
- Rock gardens are attractive alternatives to thirsty lawns.
- Consider including flowers and native plants that are great sources of pollen and beneficial to bee and butterfly populations.