You mention a huge part of an easy start to a solution to one part of the problem a couple times… "non-native grasses", "natural landscaping". It's entirely possible to create a really pleasant yardscape with native plants that require little to no care once placed, and can still supply that green which the human psyche seems to require.

The hard part is convincing the cities to stop fining and harassing folks who choose that over a standard "golf course" lawn.