From Wasteland to Wonder: Easy Ways We Can Help Heal Earth in the Sub/Urban Landscape by Basil Camu

The way we currently manage the sub/urban landscape is creating a wasteland and harming the well-being of Earth. We pave over forests, use giant machines to scrape away healthy soil, and turn thriving grasslands into dead lawns. Rain is unable to soak into the ground and instead rushes downhill, causing erosion and flooding. We repeatedly soak the land in toxic chemicals that kill life. There is little food for the birds, butterflies, and bees that need it. These efforts are costly, time-intensive, and increase CO2 in the atmosphere. Fortunately, we have an alternative path: we can work with natural systems instead of working against them. By doing so, we can help heal Earth. We also save time and money because we perform fewer tasks and use fewer products. The landscape paradigms and practices outlined in this book boost populations of native trees, flowers, and grass, transform lifeless dirt back to soil, reduce flooding, decrease CO2 in the atmosphere, and support an outrageous diversity of life. Best of all, these are simple things that anyone can do regardless of their knowledge or experience.