(MS) - There are millions of acres of manicured lawns in this country. From golf clubs to parks to homeowners' own front yards. Many people believe a perfect, manicured lawn positively reflects back on the person who toiled for it, and evokes a feeling of importance and pride. However, the steps most people take to achieve that pristine, green lawn are often anything but green in the environmental sense.

Millions of pounds of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are applied to lawns, trees and shrubs to keep them looking their best. But those "warning" flags the landscaper erects after the lawn has been doused in a chemical bath should seem insidious to everyone around. That's because the chemicals used are harmful to the environment and the people/animals that come in contact with those chemicals.

Studies of professional lawn care workers have shown they face of increased risk of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), currently the sixth most common malignant cancer in the U.S., say reports by The Green Guide. Chemical runoff from pesticides and fertilizers can seep into water supplies and other bodies of water in communities. Phosphates and nitrates found in chemical products help to rob ponds and lakes of oxygen, essentially suffocating the plant and animal life residing there.

Air pollution

The gasoline-powered equipment used to cut lawns, edge properties and trim shrubbery contributes to air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 5 percent of air pollution comes from mowers, trimmers, blowers and chainsaws.

Drain on water

Keeping lawns looking healthy requires thorough watering. But experts estimate that a good deal of fresh water is squandered away keeping lawns and landscapes up to par.

Putting the "Green" Back into the Landscape

By being environmentally conscious and exploring natural alternatives to lawn care, homeowners can have their cake and eat it, too. Essentially they can have a thriving landscape without the environmental side effects of chemical products and other pollutants. Here are a few ideas:

1. Position large collection basins outdoors under the downspouts on your home. These basins can collect rainwater that can be used to water garden plants during dry spells, alleviating the drain on fresh water supplies.

2. Choose plants, trees and grasses that are indigenous to the area in which you live. Essentially this is working with the environment, instead of trying to maintain a landscape of intolerant species. Plants accustomed to the climate and natural predators may require less water and fewer pesticides.

3. Look for organic fertilizers that will be a benefit for the environment rather than destroy it. A great organic fertilizer that is very inexpensive is compost. Create a compost heap in the yard or in a container to which you add grass clippings, vegetable peels, egg shells, and other organic matter. Use the compost to feed the landscape.

4. Look to alternative pest management instead of pesticides. Let "good" bugs stay in place that will eat or destroy the ones that target the landscape. Invite birds that feed on insects to the yard by creating a welcome atmosphere for them.

5. Create a peaceful (and exhaust-free) mowing experience by using a manual mower instead of a gas-powered one.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed