"Lawn care accounts for 10 percent of air pollution."
The small changes that each of us can make in reducing pollution, minimizing global warming and living a “greener” lifestyle add up when we all do our part. And many of these changes will also save you time and money. The Home Depot carries many products, including Scotts soils and fertilizers, that will help you maintain a beautiful garden economically and efficiently, and with less pollution and waste.
Here’s a quick and easy way to test your eco-friendly knowledge and pick up a few new ideas.
Return nutrients to your lawn with an eco-friendly fertilizer like Scotts Organic Choice.
Based on studies in the 1980s and 1990s The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that up to two thirds of the fertilizers applied to lawns each year is wasted. It is lost to the air or runs off into streams and storm drains, where it contributes to water pollution.
What can I do?Lawns require more nitrogen fertilizer than other garden plants to stay green and healthy. You can provide about 1/3 of the nitrogen your lawn needs simply by leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. Just be sure to dethatch if necessary so your lawn can absorb and break down clippings. As they break down, they return nutrients to the soil. To provide the remaining nitrogen, use an organic fertilizer such as Scotts Organic Choice, which provides a slow, steady supply of nutrients to grass plants.
Always apply lawn fertilizer according to the directions on the package, and sweep up any fertilizer that lands on sidewalks and driveways to prevent it from contaminating water supplies. For more useful tips, read
How to Fertilize.
Solar lights in the garden, like these from Hampton Bay, offer style and planet-friendly benefits.
Researchers estimate that up to 2/3 of the world’s population can no longer look up at night and see the stars in the Milky Way because of light pollution.
What can I do?When we think of pollution, we usually think about air and water pollution, but light pollution is increasing as suburbs—and the commercial, street and landscape lights they contain—sprawl into outlying areas. Homeowners can help reduce the amount of excess light emitted upward from their landscape by using strategically placed low-voltage lights to provide enough light for safety and security without lighting up the night sky. Using solar-powered lights, like those from Hampton Bay, is even better for the environment—and your wallet—since they don’t use household electricity. For more
bright ideas on eco-friendly outdoor lighting, read this buying guide.
Grass seed with Water Smart coating from Scotts Turf Builder helps you save on your utility bills while conserving water.
According to a 2009 publication from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landscape irrigation is estimated to account for almost 1/3 of all residential water use, totaling more than 7 billion gallons per day.
What can I do?Most lawns require regular watering to remain healthy, but with much of the country in serious drought, more and more municipalities will be instituting water restrictions. Fortunately, there are new products to help you conserve. For example, the individual seeds in Scotts Turf Builder, formulated with Water Smart, are wrapped in a water-absorbing coating that helps the seed stay moist after planting, resulting in faster, more even germination with less frequent watering. Learn more by checking out
5 Easy Eco Secrets for a “Greener” Lawn.
Organic pesticides, like those from Ortho EcoSense are made from ingredients that won’t cause long-term effects to the environment.
It's been almost 40 years since the pesticide DDT was banned for home and agricultural use because of the harm it caused to wildlife, especially birds, yet the chemical is still found in the bodies of wild animals today. DDT is a notorious example of a chemical that persists in the environment long after its intended use. However, today many companies carry organic options.
What can I do?One of the best things about organic pesticides is that they quickly break down into harmless substances once they’re exposed to sun, air and water. That means they don’t persist in the environment, potentially harming other animals, children and pets. Many organic pesticides, such as Ortho EcoSense, are made from naturally occurring plant extracts combined with vegetable-based oils. Learn more on how to
eliminate pesky insects both indoors and out.
If you catch insect pest problems early, you can often control them with simple, non-toxic techniques. You can hand-pick large insects such as caterpillars and Japanese beetles, and use non-toxic insecticidal soap from Ortho EcoSense, to control small pests like aphids and spidermites.
Save on watering costs by using Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix.
According to one estimate, up to 320 million pounds of discarded plastic nursery pots, flats and cell packs end up in landfills and incinerators across the country.
What can I do?Although many gardeners reuse and recycle, at some point our potting sheds overflow with these containers. That’s why buying plants in biodegradable pots is such a good idea.
Bonnie vegetable transplants are sold in peat and other fiber pots that you can plant right in the ground. This reduces transplant shock, too, since you don’t damage the roots trying to get the plants out of the pots.
Container gardening is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to grow vegetables. But containers can dry out quickly, meaning frequent watering. Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix addresses this concern. It contains organic matter and a wetting agent, which combine to absorb extra water and release it back slowly to plant roots.
Help reduce air and noise pollution with an electric string trimmer.
The engines of small gasoline-powered lawn and garden tools (especially older models) produce an astonishing amount of air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated in 2008 that lawn care activities account for 10 percent of air pollution—add to that the noise these power tools generate and it’s clear we need to consider alternatives.
What can I do?Electric- and battery-powered trimmers are cleaner and quieter, and now there’s a third option: propane-powered tools. Tools using propane can provide the power of a gas-powered tool without the noise and mess. Find the right
trimmer for your needs with this helpful buying guide.