Caring for lawns is a huge source of energy waste in the United States. Gas guzzling lawn mowers produce smoke and use up fuel, watering programs dry up the already suffering Southwest, and chemical fertilizers pollute our soil and water. If you have a lawn to take care of, but don’t like the effects that lawn care has on our planet, there are some options you can choose that aren’t as damaging. Here are a few things you can do to move toward more Earth friendly lawn care.
The most environmentally friendly way to mow is by using a manual powered reel mower. While this may conjure mental images of lots of sweat and toil, designs are a lot better than they used to be. These mowers are now extremely quiet, easy to use, and very efficient. This is a good way to keep your lawn tidy, get some exercise, and be outside without the noise and smell of a gasoline mower. However, reel mowers do work best for those with small yards.
An electric mower is a worthwhile second choice. Cordless electric push mowers still use power, but are more efficient than a gasoline engine, and don’t produce the pollution and high noise level that a conventional motor does. They’re worthwhile for people with small to medium yards. There are even solar and robotic models that can mow your lawn using the power of sunlight, or without additional guidance from you.
You might even go as far as to reconsider having a traditional lawn at all. After all, there’s no need to have the area around your home be as even as a golf course. Especially for people in arid areas or climates that aren’t suited to the usual lawn, xeriscaping (the use of local native plants) is catching on. These plants use less water and are still attractive. One bonus is that they also usually require less maintenance than a normal lawn.
If you still want to maintain a traditional grass lawn, try to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and supplemental watering. Use rain barrel collection to provide extra water (with a mosquito screen over the top of the barrel), and turn to manure tea or other natural fertilizers to help keep your grass greener. A few dandelions actually makes a lawn a lot cheerier, but if you must exterminate them, do so by hand, or use boiling water poured directly onto the plants to get rid of them. Choose a locally adapted grass that won’t require as much maintenance and you’ll find that your lawn’s a lot more trouble free. It’ll also survive better if you don’t trim it extremely short. Taller lawns retain more moisture and are less likely to turn brown in summer’s heat.
