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| Lawn Care
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| Did you know that over 50
million Americans mow their lawns each weekend,
and contribute as much as 5% of the country’s
air pollution? There are simple steps that you
can take to have an eco-friendly lawn, and
simultaneously keeping it beautiful. |
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Collecting rainwater and using it for
your plants is an easy way to recycle water and
cut down your water bill. Storing rainwater can
be done on a small scale with rain barrels, or
larger scales with cisterns.
• Being conscious
of when you’re watering and how much
you’re watering. Watering in the middle of the
day when the heat and sunlight are at their peak
will cause water to evaporate quicker and is a
less efficient way of using your water. If you
notice pools of water in your yard, or moss
growing on your driveway and sidewalk are signs
that you are watering your yard too much.
• Use a broom
instead of leaf blowers and hoses. Gas
powered leaf blowers are another major source of
carbon emissions, and hosing down the sidewalk
wastes water.
• Leave grass
clippings on your yard and compost your
other yard waste. Yard trimmings make great
mulch and help soil retain water so you won’t
have to use as much water.
• Using a push
mower can greatly reduce your carbon
emissions during regular lawn care. If you can’t
go all the way to a push mower, consider an
electric model.
• Use native plants in your landscaping.
Native plants are water savers, require less
care, and attract all sorts of critters that are
great for a healthy, natural lawn. Native
grasses are often sold at local garden stores
and are much easier to maintain.
• Use non-toxic
fertilizers and pest-control. These will
be better for your plants, and won’t harm our
water sources. If you choose to use chemicals,
be careful to avoid applying it near surface
waters, or where stormwater runoff discharges to
surface water.
• Start an organic
food garden. Growing your own veggies is
better for the planet, as well as your own
health. |
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