Let’s talk about carbon
Not all carbon is a problem. As a matter of fact, carbon is essential to life as we know it. Carbon is necessary for the photosynthesis of plants and earth’s ability to regenerate and grow new life. The carbon that plants remove from the air gets converted and deposited into the soil as the guarantor of healthy ecosystems. We need carbon to have healthy plants, healthy soil, and a healthy earth. But, we do have a carbon problem.
It is well-known that CO2 emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, which can cause severe impacts and consequences for humans and the environment. CO2 emissions act like a blanket in the air, trapping heat in the atmosphere, and warming up the earth.
Upon hearing this information, one of your first thoughts may be, “What on earth can I do about it? I can’t do enough in my lifetime to offset all those huge corporate sectors that are causing the problem.” There’s good news and bad news. The bad news first: you’re right. You can’t offset the emissions caused by the rest of the world by yourself - no matter how much land you have. But there’s good news, too! You CAN do something. Let’s talk about carbon sequestering basics and what you can do with your space to impact the world around you!
Carbon Sequestering Basics
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change.
Remember your middle school biology lessons? The formula of photosynthesis is: carbon dioxide + water in the presence of a chlorophyll molecule = sugars and oxygen.
Healthy plants can shed up to 70% of their photosynthate (sugars, etc.) into the soil through their root system. This means that plants pull carbon out of atmospheric carbon dioxide and settle it into the earth. If managed well, that carbon will eventually convert to fulvic and humic acids and create a stable carbon component in the soil.
The soil can store an enormous amount of carbon - especially healthy soil with active fungal networks. According to Rattan Lal, Soil scientist at Ohio State University, American soils could soak up more than 100 million tons of carbon per year.
What you can do to make a difference:
Reduce the size of your lawn or consider eliminating it entirely. Consider planting native gardens and more trees to reduce the amount of grass in your yard. You could also consider replacing your lawn with a native wildflower meadow, or a native ground cover.
Don’t till. It’s hard for many of us that grew up tilling the garden every year to leave it alone, but it’s better for your plants and the planet to let the soil rest. Every time the soil is broken up and exposed to air, more carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere, so plan to keep your soil disruption to a minimum - and cheer on the farmers that are making the change to this regenerative method.
Feed the fungi. Fungi are essential tools for capturing and storing atmospheric carbon as well. They feed on organic matter, so regularly add compost and shredded leaves to your garden, and DON’T use chemical pesticides and herbicides. And again, don’t disturb the soil by tilling - vast mycorrhizal (fungal) networks are always at work below the surface, creating beneficial relationships with plants and holding that carbon where it belongs. Tilling tears these networks apart. You can even take it a step further: to clean up your spent plants, cut them off at soil level to avoid ripping their roots from the ground - instead leave them in place to naturally decay, and put the vegetative matter in the compost.
Cover your soil. Apply mulch, “leave the leaves,” plant cover crops, and strategically allow weeds to grow in your yard. This decreases water use, curbs erosion, and protects local water sources.
Grow food. Plant your favorite foods and share with your neighbors. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with packaging and transporting food, decreases your grocery bills, and encourages seasonal eating, as well as establishing a closer relationship with your food.
Choose sustainable materials when possible. The production of brick and concrete have large carbon footprints compared to gravel and wood. Consider finding used brick or other recycled materials from neighbors, or gather natural materials from your yard or neighbors’ yards to build your landscaping elements.
Compost. Compost kitchen and yard wastes, apply compost as fertilizer, and share with your neighbors. This repurposes waste, reduces methane by reducing the amount of trash going to landfills, and increases the quality of soil and nutrient density of foods.
Plant woody, native plants. The most efficient plants for carbon sequestration are trees, so if at all possible, plant them and avoid cutting them down. These will also provide food and nesting places for birds and other wildlife. Ideally, choose long-lived, native trees like Birch, Oak, Maple, Aspen, Dogwood, Spruce, and Pine. In areas where trees are not an option, use native shrubs and native herbaceous plants. Native grasses have deep root systems and are particularly effective at storing carbon.
Encourage biodiversity. Grow many different plants as this ensures healthy soils and nutritious foods, balances ecosystems, and keeps pests in check.
Plant trees and shrubs where they will block winter winds and provide shade in summer. This will reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool your home and thus reduce your carbon footprint even further.
Conserve water. Rain barrels can help capture water from a gutter downspout for use in your garden. This both protects natural waterways and lowers your home water usage.
Minimize or eliminate the use of fertilizers and pesticides on your property. Use compost and mulch produced from garden trimmings to enrich your soil instead, and use native plants that are naturally pest resistant.
You don’t have to do all of these things right now to make an impact. Start with what feels the easiest to you and add on one step at a time. Every new practice changes our collective culture and attitudes, and will lead us to a healthier planet.