Summer is just around the corner, and this is the time of year when we really ramp up our lawn activities Watering, fertilizing and mowing can all have major environmental consequences. 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? And it’s staggering to realize that the average American grassy lawn can use over 20,000 gallons of water each summer! So, a major part of any green home strategy should be to embrace eco-friendly lawn and garden care.

Collect rain water and use it for your plants.

• Make sure you’re not over-watering.
• Don’t hose down your sidewalks and driveway.
• Get a push mower for your lawn.
• Say no to leaf-blowers!
• When you’re done mowing, leave your clippings on your yard.
• Be sure to compost your other yard waste.
• Embrace native plants.
• Are you addicted to the look of grass but live in a high-drought area? You may want to consider synthetic grass. It uses no water, lasts over ten years, and looks & feels surprisingly real.
• Why not start your own organic food garden?
• Use non-toxic fertilizers and pest-control agents for your garden and lawn.