MARC News
Healthy communities begin with healthy yards
October 28, 2010
Many residents don't realize how simple lawn-maintenance habits impact our region's air and water quality, especially during fall months when leaf cleanup becomes necessary. But a new commercial produced by jointly by MARC's Air Quality Program and Water Quality Program hopes to make people across the region more aware of those impacts.
For instance, homeowners often overuse chemical fertilizer, improperly dispose of leaves and grass clippings, and use gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers that harm the environment and our health. Fertilizer, litter or pet washes down storm drains, eventually reaching local rivers and streams.
Making simple changes in lawn-care practices can save time, resources and money — and protect the health of residents, communities and the environment.
Clean air and lawn care
Emissions from lawn equipment such as gas-powered mowers, trimmers or leaf blowers significantly impact the air we breathe. Like cars, these tools generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – chemicals that form ground-level ozone. But unlike cars, lawn equipment often does not have features that help manage emissions. So in one hour, a gas-powered mower produces the same amount of pollution as a car driven 100 miles.
What can you do to help?
- Mow later. More ozone forms during warmer daytime hours; mowing in the evening helps reduce pollution.
- Avoid fuel spills. Every year, Americans spill and leak enough gasoline while refueling lawn and garden equipment to fill a supertanker. Avoid spills and evaporation by using a funnel or a no-spill gas can. An even better choice? Go electric.
- Consider alternatives. Electric mowers and trimmers work great for small lawns. Not only do they not pollute, they can save you money by avoiding fuel costs.
- Go native. Decrease your mowing area by planting native flowerbeds and shrubs in appropriate areas. Less mowing means fewer emissions. Native plants require less fertilizer and pesticides than turf grass, and they help remove carbon dioxide from our air.
Learn more about clean air and lawn care»
More earth-friendly lawn care tips»
Contact your local extension office for information on healthy lawns»
Watch the commercial»
If it's on the ground, it's in our water
Water that enters storm drains is not cleaned at wastewater treatment plants before it flows directly into streams, rivers and lakes. Chemicals and bacteria from materials like fertilizer and pet waste are directly deposited into our region's water, causing pollution and endangering public health. A recent U.S. Geological Survey of the Kansas City area's waterways showed that pet waste is the source of approximately 25 percent of bacteria in local waterways.
What can you do to help?
- Pick up after your pet. Pet waste is not a fertilizer – it contains harmful bacteria. Carry disposable bags while walking your dog to pick up and dispose of waste properly.
- Use lawn chemicals sparingly. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can contain ingredients harmful to human health and the environment. Improper application of these substances causes them to run off lawns and down storm drains, eventually entering our streams and creeks. Test your soil to know how much fertilizer your lawn really needs.
- Go natural. Instead of using chemical products, consider compost or natural lawn-chemical alternatives.
- Landscape with native plants and rain gardens. Native plants have natural properties that often eliminate or reduce the need for mowing, fertilizing or using pesticides. Rain gardens catch stormwater and slowly filter it into the ground, meaning less water runs off lawns into our storm sewers, helping prevent flooding and erosion in our streams.
- Keep waste out of storm drains. During a rainfall, water runs down streets and through yards, picking up trash, yard waste and other materials along the way. This “runoff” often contains elements that pollute our waterways, harm wildlife and degrade water quality.
More homeowner tips for improving water quality»
Watch the commercial»
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