Love Your Lawn? Avoid These Climate Culprits

Lawns can have a positive impact on the environment, serving as carbon sinks, promoting clean air, and providing habitats for pollinators. They can also be seriously detrimental to the environment, especially if using unsustainable products and practices.

Here are some everyday climate culprits to watch out for while nurturing your backyard:

1. Lawnmowers: Gas-powered lawnmowers emit 11 times more pollution in an hour than driving a new car for the same amount of time. Swap to a low-maintenance push mower or plug-in electric mower for a greener option.
2. Peat: Peat is a common component in store-bought soil mixes, but harvesting it releases carbon back into the atmosphere. Instead, use alternatives like coconut coir and recycled paper fibers.
3. Fire Pits: Burning wood releases pollution in the forms of CO2, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and toxic volatile organic compounds. Consider alternatives made from compressed sawdust waste, compressed cardboard, or coffee grounds.
4. Artificial Grass: Artificial turf is made of non-biodegradable plastic and can get too hot. It also robs insects and pollinators of a natural ecosystem and does not allow for soil to breathe, leading to a lack of carbon sequestration. Consider sustainable outdoor space options instead.
5. Impermeable Surfaces: Impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground and flowing into local waterways, bringing sediment and pollutants like fertilizers and oil with it into aquatic ecosystems. Choose permeable options to reduce these negative impacts.