How to Build a Environmental Society

Lawns absorb water, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. Lawns also have a significant cooling effect, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful micro-organisms, prevent erosion and filter rainwater contaminants.  
Lawn care, however, has come at a high cost to the environment. According to the U.S. National Wildlife Federation:  
·  30% of water used on the East Coast goes to watering lawns; 60% on the West Coast.
·  18% of municipal solid waste is composed of yard waste.
·  The average suburban lawn received 10 times as much chemical pesticide per acre as farmland.
·  Over 70 million tons of fertilizers and pesticides are applied to residential lawns and gardens annually.
·  Per hour of operation, a gas lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical auto. A weedeater emits 21 times more and a leaf blower 34 times more. Where pesticides are used, 60 - 90% of earthworms are killed. Earthworms are important for soil health.
Much of the environmental cost associated with lawn care can be avoided.

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