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A Challenge for the 21st Century

As we enter the 21st century, a new paradigm is emerging. It evolves a critical look at our outdated mode of maintaining lawns larger than needed and a move toward SMALLER lawns, or even their elimination! Traditional lawns are energy-demanding landscapes that continue to wipe out the surrounding natural bio-diversity. Once there was a continuum of native habitats. Now the natural landscape is fragmented into even smaller unconnected pieces. Lawns contribute to this fragmentation, and are a major cause of the continuing loss of bio-diversity locally, and also contribute to this problem globally.

Why should I consider reducing the size of my lawn?

• More pesticides are used on American lawns per unit area than on our farmlands. Some have not been fully tested for human safety. Pesticides can destroy species diversity and create mono cultures.
• Millions of tons of fertilizer keep lawns green. Nutrients in fertilizer runoff, such as nitrogen, are major water pollutants, affecting both potability and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
• One hour of power mowing emits the equivalent in air pollution of driving 350 miles by car.
• Power equipment is fossil-fuel demanding, not only in operation, but also in the initial construction and maintenance of the equipment. More than 600 million gallons of gasoline are used annually to power lawn mowing equipment.
• The noise produced by power mowers, especially the riding types, is an environmental air shed insult no neighbor should have to tolerate.
• Vigorous exercise, such as experienced in pushing a reel lawn mower, is excellent for cardiac and skeletal systems.
• Why waste time mowing a large lawn when you could be enjoying other activities?