Recycle, Reuse, Replenish

Every horse owner and farm manager has the obligation to try and sustain the natural resources that are within our control. Here are some tips on being “greener” around your farm.

  • Turn off lights when not in the barn.
  • Use a broom instead of leaf blower in barn aisles.
  • Buy in bulk whenever you can: Multigallon containers are available of almost any liquid you use for your horses, then you can pour it into reusable spray bottles.
  • Keep a recycle container for recyclables in the barn in addition to regular trash cans.
  • Buy shavings in paper bags instead of plastic if bulk bedding is not an option.
  • Make use of natural ventilation instead of electric fans.
  • Purchase locally mixed feeds and hay to conserve transportation expenses (i.e., fossil fuels). Ask employees at your feed store where their feed is mixed.
  • Compost bedding/manure and spread on pastures instead of using chemical fertilizers.
  • Turn down the thermostats on water heaters or heated tack/feed rooms to just above freezing.
  • Use insulated ball waterers in pastures instead of electronically heated waterers.

–Gin Preston

Choosing to become more environmentally sensitive on the farm is a responsible option for all of us and can be addressed in varying degrees. You don’t need to scrap your tractor, invest in expensive wind-powered generators, build a new solar-roofed barn, or make any of the other currently touted myriad of expensive, drastic moves to reduce your carbon footprint. Even if your budget is small, there are many responsible practices you can implement quickly and inexpensively. In fact, these might save you money in the long run. You do, however, need to change the way you look at your life on the farm

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