EQUIPMENT: Eco-friendly gardening tools include the Nvlex Bios fitted garden hose ($29.98) made from recycled plant material; The Holman 5, a 2-hour dual outlet tap timer ($24.98);
ECO-FRIENDLY is not just a buzz word these days. It is a whole different approach to how we live.
People are embracing the chance to do something positive for the environment and more often than not it starts right in their backyards.
There are plenty of basic ways to have an eco-friendly backyard: reduce lawn size and replace the grass with an organic garden, use compost and not chemicals, recycle grey water and harvest rainwater, use natural predators rather than chemical pesticides to rid your yard of bugs, and invite pollinators such as bees, wasps and butterflies into your garden.
Many companies are also coming on board and making it easier to get hold of environmentally-friendly, easy-to-use products.
An eco-friendly make-over can be done without breaking the bank.
Bunnings' national gardencare buyer Sharyn Petrzela says maintaining a sustainable garden is all about healthy soils.
"Healthy soils encourage healthy plants that are more resistant to pest and disease attack," she said.
"Keep tools sharp and clean them regularly to prevent the spread of pests and disease."
Plants should be selected to suit the environment. Plant labels should be read carefully and the sun and water requirements taken into account.
A wide range of natural, organic or ecologically responsible pesticides can be used if required, and again labels should be checked to ensure the safest option is used.
Bunnings have a range of items from water tanks to worm towers to make setting up an eco-friendly backyard easier.