I think there's a lot that the people that actually live there can do. When I think of American housing, it's either big dense cities, or suburbs. The suburbs are all... bland, a concrete driveway and grass. All very low maintenance. If those were to do some gardening - plant a tree, some bushes, flower perks, longer grasses, etc - you already will get a much nicer place to live.
And in the cities, people can do things like hanging baskets out of windowsills, or potted plants out the door. And of course things inside the house.
I will acknowledge though that this is from a position of privilege, we have a lively plant and flower industry in my country and hundreds of garden centers around the country.
The crazy thing is grass lawns are HIGH maintenance. It’s effectively an economic signal - “look at me, I have time and money to maintain this useless patch of grass!”
It’s much easier to plant a mix of greens - clover, grasses, etc (effectively pasture seed blend). Requires less water, less mowing, and much less fertilizer.
And in the cities, people can do things like hanging baskets out of windowsills, or potted plants out the door. And of course things inside the house.
I will acknowledge though that this is from a position of privilege, we have a lively plant and flower industry in my country and hundreds of garden centers around the country.