Practice Green Mowing

Lawn and garden equipment emits five percent of ozone-forming Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the U.S. Gas powered lawn mowers also emit a lot of CO2 emissions ­ about 80lbs a year. In terms of pollution impact, one hour using a gas mower is equivalent to driving a car 20 miles.

• Use a human powered mower or an electric mower. Cordless electric mowers are available and effective.
• Leave the grass clippings on the lawn.

Reduce grass areas

Grass lawns require countless hours of your life to maintain, not to mention the resources they chew up (drinking water and gasoline). The quest for the perfect lawn leaves a trail of pollutants (fertilizers and oil), and green house gas emissions from all of the cutting, trimming and edging.

It is a common misconception that lawns are very permeable surfaces and allow for rain water to filter through, but since lawns are usually driven over by construction equipment and lawn mowers, the soil can be very compacted and does not have high permeability. Replacing grass with native landscaping plants can have the following benefits:

• Less storm water running off your property into storm sewers where they can damage rivers and streams
• Better infiltration
• Save lots of money and reduce health risks from spreading fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides
• No emissions are produced from lawn mowing and trimming
• Natural habitat can improve our region's air and water quality
• Healthier place for children play
• Less pollutants (oils, fertilizers, etc.) entering the ground water or sewer system

Resources

• National Coalition for Pesticide Free Lawns
• Plant Native
• The Ohio Native Plant Society