Some of the solutions that have been developed are: Reduction of stormwater run-off through the use of bio-swales, rain gardens, and green roofs and walls; Permeable paving materials to reduce stormwater run-off and allow rain water to infiltrate into the ground and replenish groundwater rather than run into surface water; Reduction of water use in landscapes through design of water-wise garden techniques, sometimes known as xeriscaping; Water conservation techniques through rainwater harvesting (If you are looking for a way to save money at home while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle, regulate your water with a flow meter); Landscape irrigation using water from showers and sinks, known as grayContact Form water; Bio-filtering of wastes through constructed wetlands; Integrated Pest Management techniques for pest control; Creating and enhancing wildlife habitat in urban and managed environments; Energy-efficient landscape design in the form of proper placement and selection of shade trees, and creation of wind breaks; Use of sustainably harvested wood, composite wood products for decking and other landscape projects, as well as use of plastic lumber; Recycling of products, such as glass, rubber from tires and other materials to create landscape products such as paving stones, mulch and other materials; Soil management techniques, including composting kitchen and yard wastes, to maintain and enhance healthy soil that supports a diversity of soil life; Integration and adoption of renewable energy, including solar-powered landscape lighting;Incorporating less-polluting landscaping tools and equipment, especially in the maintenance stage.

In addition to considerable cost savings, an efficient, sustainable landscape offers a safer environment that is free of pesticides and toxins, a quiet property without the constant noise of power maintenance equipment, abundant production of sustainable food and other useful resources, much less maintenance labor, and a more beautiful outdoor environment for the enjoyment of all occupants and users. A sustainable landscape is based on living systems rather than industrial ones, which means that it is constructed with fewer and often less costly materials and is therefore usually less expensive to build than a conventional, hardscape-intensive project.  Few people realize that maintenance can account for 80 percent or more of the total cost of a landscape over a 20-year design life. During its service life, maintenance costs for a sustainable landscape can be as little as one fifth that of a conventional landscape, requiring one third less labor, eighty percent less water, and one hundred percent fewer toxic chemicals. And finally, a sustainable landscape is more durable, which means it will last far longer and therefore cost much less over time.  Nobody knows more about creating truly sustainable landscape systems than Green Spaces Landscaping, LLC.