Embrace sustainability and incorporate these best practices for green living in your own backyard

As told to Liza Smith

What are some key initiatives or programs aimed at promoting sustainability in homes and gardens in Durham?

There are great tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act [of 2022] that can cover 30-50% of the cost of some home retrofits. Duke Energy also has programs and rebates to help defray the costs. … The N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Durham County Center has a program where you can send in your soil sample, and the [staff ] will tell you how much and what type of fertilizer to use to make your soil healthy … The Durham County Master Gardeners can help you increase biodiversity in your yard and keep it healthy. – Tobin Freid, sustainability manager, Sustainability Office of Durham County

What are the most pressing environmental concerns in Durham, and how can individuals address them through their homes and gardens?

Tobin Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most pressing environmental issues facing Durham and the world. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, which is emitted when fossil fuels are burned to make electricity or power vehicles, and methane that comes from waste and livestock. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in Durham with more intense heat in the summer, changes in the growing season and more flooding from heavier storms. … Addressing biodiversity loss is another global problem with some local solutions you can put to use in your own yard, [including] reducing how much lawn you have and replacing it with native landscaping; reducing pesticide and fertilizer use; and removing invasive species like Japanese stiltgrass, wisteria, English ivy and privet.

Given Durham’s specific climate conditions, are there any tailored recommendations or strategies for gardeners to adapt their practices effectively?

Xeriscaping – the practice of landscaping with drought-tolerant plants – for Durham’s often hot, dry summers, is a great solution to adapt home landscapes to our changing climate. Select drought-tolerant plants, use plenty of mulch [and] reduce lawn space in favor of native perennial plants, shrubs and trees. Plant perennial and woody plants in the fall to allow them time to establish before the summer arrives. … Try to reduce grass in favor of native meadows, shrub borders and even small trees or mulched areas to create a more sustainable home landscape. It benefits Durham’s air and water quality and increases biodiversity. – Tania Dautlick, executive director, Keep Durham Beautiful

What native plants thrive in Durham’s climate and soil conditions, requiring minimal water and maintenance?

When chosen correctly, native plants can be used in all types of gardening situations, including high and dry or low and wet conditions. The key is to understand your site and the needs of the plant so that you are not causing more work for yourself in the future. NC State University’s plant database and Durham County’s Extension service are valuable resources available to all citizens of North Carolina. The Extension Gardener online tool will even let you filter your search and recommend native alternatives to non-native plants that the search returns. – Keith Lukowski, manager, Durham Garden Center

What are some benefits of maintaining a garden in terms of sustainability?

Keith Each square foot of non-native turf grass that can be replaced with plants that work for the environment is a benefit to a goal of sustainability. If the plant is being visited by any insect or wildlife, it has become a part of the local ecology. Every creature matters and, like us, they must have food and shelter to thrive. Having a diverse mix of plant types welcomes many species to the garden, whether for food, cover, nesting materials, etc.; … the ones that eat our plants are integral to the local ecology when they are native species.

What are some eco-friendly options to consider when remodeling?

Most often we will take a building down to the studs and re-create an open concept living area instead of tearing the existing building down. This can be done by re-engineering the building structure to include steel support beams in order to remove interior walls. Preserving the original structure reduces construction waste. – Daryl Mejeur, operations director, CQC Home

What are some of the latest trends in home remodeling when it comes to utilizing sustainable materials?

Daryl Full Lite stacked exterior doors allow much more natural light to come through, [which means] less electricity [is] used for interior lighting. The doors are also energy efficient, [generating] additional savings on heating and cooling.