
- Target:
- State Legislators
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- www.rawearthfoundation.org
Background Information Supporting the Petition to Mandate Sustainable Native Landscaping in New Developments
The rapid expansion of urban and suburban areas has led to a significant shift in the natural landscapes that once thrived in many regions. In an effort to beautify and maintain properties, many developers and homeowners have opted for non-native and often invasive plant species. While these exotic plants may seem appealing due to their aesthetic qualities or lower maintenance needs, they present numerous environmental challenges that ultimately undermine ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Non-native and invasive plants disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources such as water, nutrients, and space. This can result in the decline of native plant populations, which are crucial for sustaining local wildlife, particularly pollinators like bees and butterflies. Many native species also play a vital role in maintaining soil health, preventing erosion, and contributing to water management through natural filtration systems. When these plants are replaced by non-native species, it compromises the stability of the ecosystem.
In addition to their negative environmental impacts, exotic plants require more maintenance, including additional watering, chemical treatments, and fertilizers, all of which increase the demand on local water supplies and contribute to pollution. Native plants, by contrast, are adapted to the local climate and require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them a more sustainable choice for landscaping in urban developments, reducing the overall environmental footprint of new construction projects.
Several regions across the U.S. and around the world have recognized the importance of incorporating native plants in landscaping and have begun to require or incentivize sustainable landscaping practices. For example, the city of Portland, Oregon, mandates the use of native plants in new developments to restore ecological balance, conserve water, and reduce chemical use. Similarly, states like California and Florida have adopted policies to encourage the planting of native vegetation in both residential and commercial landscapes.
Requiring at least 10% of new development properties to be restored with native plants will not only help preserve local biodiversity but also contribute to the overall health of the environment by reducing water usage, minimizing pollution, and promoting sustainable landscaping practices. By making this requirement a standard practice in new developments, we can foster a culture of ecological stewardship and enhance the long-term resilience of urban ecosystems.
We urge our lawmakers to take immediate action and mandate the use of sustainable native landscaping in new developments to restore and protect local ecosystems, reduce environmental impacts, and promote sustainable land use.
Petition to Mandate Sustainable Native Landscaping in New Developments
We, the undersigned, call on state legislators to mandate sustainable landscaping practices in new developments by requiring the use of native plants and restoring at least 10% of the property with native vegetation.
Native plants are essential to maintaining biodiversity, supporting local wildlife, and preserving ecosystems that sustain our communities. Unlike non-native and invasive species, native plants are well-adapted to the local environment, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. By incorporating them into new developments, we can reduce environmental impacts, conserve water, and improve the long-term sustainability of our landscapes.
We urge our state legislators to take action and implement this requirement in new developments to protect our local ecosystems, reduce pollution, and create a greener, more resilient environment for future generations.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Mandate Sustainable Native Landscaping in New Developments petition to State Legislators was written by Raven Petca and is in the category Environment at GoPetition.