Pesticide-free Lawns

Maintaining a yard or landscaped area around a home goes hand in hand with applying pesticides in today’s society. This practice has created a huge industry and now over 100 million pounds of pesticides are applied to homes and gardens annually. The 30 most commonly used pesticides are very detrimental to the health of our environment, our family members and pets. The US EPA estimates 60-70 million birds are poisoned each year due to pesticide use. According to the National Coalition for Pesticide Free Lawns, of the 30 most common pesticides:

• 19 are linked to cancer
• 13 are linked to birth defects
• 21 are linked to reproductive challenges
• 26 cause kidney and liver problems
• 15 are neurotoxins
• 11 are endocrine disruptors
• 17 have made their way into the ground water system
• 23 have the potential to get into drinking water systems
• 24 are toxic to aquatic ecosystems
• 11 are toxic to bees
• 16 are toxic to birds

Practice Green Mowing

Lawn and garden equipment emit 5% of ozone-forming VOCs in the US. Gas powered lawn mowers also emit tons of CO2 emissions ­ about 80lbs a year per person. One hour using a gas mower is emits as much greenhouse gas forming particulates as driving a car 20 miles. Use a human powered mower or an electric mower. Cordless electric mowers are available. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn.

Reduce Grass Areas

Grass lawns require lots of work to maintain, use up clean drinking water supplies, add pollutants to our environment in the form of fertilizers and oil, and increase green house gas emissions due to cutting, trimming, edging, and the production of fertilizers. It is a common misconception that lawns are very permeable surfaces and allow for rain water to filter through. Lawns have usually been driven over by construction equipment and lawn mowers, compacting the soil and reducing permeability. Replacing grass with native landscaping plants can have the following benefits:

• Less storm water runoff and more infiltration
• No fertilizers or pesticides or insecticides need to be used
• No emissions are produced from lawn mowing and trimming
• Take hazardous substances, oils, gas, paints, and chemicals to local drop-off and recycling centers.
• Natural habitat can be restored to an area
• Healthier place for children play
• Less pollutants (oils, fertilizers, etc.) entering the ground water or sewer system

Resources

• The Plant Native site tips and resources on how to plant native species and create landscapes that are natural to the climate and region.
• Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio