You don't have to drive miles to a big box store for specialized products to counteract global warming. Some of the most eco-friendly solutions might be in your own backyard. According to the National Wildlife Federation's Global Warming specialist Patty Glick, gardens can make "an enormous difference in reducing the impacts of global warming." And with 91-million gardeners in the U.S. alone, a few green practices can go a long way to healing the Earth.

Glick outlines some of the simple things anyone can do to help Mother Earth in The Gardeners Guide to Global Warming: Challenges and Solutions. Some simple environmentally-friendly gardening solutions include:

• Compost kitchen and yard waste: This will:
• Reduce greenhouse gases like methane
• Increase nutrients to your garden
• Reduce the need to fertilize

• Shield your roof: Whether you plant trees near your home or actually plant a rooftop, trees provide a shield that will:
• Reduce the need for air conditioning (up to 70%)
• Retain heat in the winter
• Absorb and store carbon dioxide

• Create a rain garden: By capturing storm water runoff, rain gardens reduce water pollution in local lakes, streams and coastal waters.

• Add native plants to your garden to keep invasive species under control.

• Go manual: You'll save the environment and get a good workout by replacing power tools with manual version. Try a rake instead of a leaf blower, or a push mower or hand clippers instead of electric versions.

• Be light sensitive: Save money and electricity with compact fluorescent bulbs, automatic light timers or light sensors which don't switch on until dusk. Solar-powered lights are another eco-friendly light solution.

For more global warming tips, check out the National Wildlife Federation website.

Charmian Christie,
Outdoor Adventure Expert