Caring for the environment doesn’t have to be time-consuming, expensive or complicated. In fact, some of the best ways to be an environmentalist involve doing less, not more. With a few small changes, you can reduce your impact on the planet while still enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle. Here are some effortless ways to go green—without breaking a sweat.

Dark Skies: Lights Off, Wildlife On
Helping the environment can be as simple as flipping a switch—literally. Light pollution disrupts migrating birds, confuses nocturnal wildlife and even dims our view of the stars. The easiest fix? Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night.
If remembering to switch off lights feels like a hassle, motion sensors and timers can do the work for you, ensuring lights are only on when needed. Not only will you save energy and money, but you’ll also create a safer, more natural nighttime environment for wildlife like fireflies and owls.

Native Plants: A Low-Maintenance Garden That Thrives on Its Own
Want a beautiful yard with less effort? Swap high-maintenance plants for native species. These plants are already adapted to Virginia’s climate, meaning they require less water, fertilizers and pesticides once established.
Beyond saving time, native plants support butterflies, birds and pollinators by providing essential habitat. Many caterpillars that birds rely on for food can only eat specific native plants. Plant once, sit back and let nature do the rest.

Mow High, Let It Lie
A lush, healthy lawn doesn’t require extra work—just a higher mower setting. Raising your mower blade helps grass develop deeper roots, making it more resistant to heat and drought.
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing also acts as a natural fertilizer, reducing the need for store-bought treatments and eliminating extra yard work.

Leave the Leaves!
Skip the leaf blower and let fallen leaves stay in garden beds and under trees. Leaves naturally break down, enriching the soil and preventing erosion.
They also provide critical winter shelter for native insects like butterflies and fireflies. For the rest of your yard, mowing over fallen leaves turns them into natural mulch, increasing soil health. Bonus: Maple leaves have been shown to reduce dandelion growth!

Mow Less, Grow More
Take your low-maintenance lawn to the next level by mowing less often. Swapping out grass for low-growing ground covers like violets and clover creates a greener, healthier yard with fewer mowing requirements. These plants stay green year-round, resist drought and attract pollinators—all while saving you time.

Less Effort, More Impact
Being an environmentalist doesn’t have to mean extra effort. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for nature is simply do less. By cutting out unnecessary work, you can create a greener, healthier outdoor space—and enjoy a little extra free time while you’re at it.
So go ahead, relax and watch the butterflies pass by. The planet will thank you.