Eco Women: Protectors of the Planet!

Originally I was going to write about gluten-free diets, but it’s spring time and lawn care is on my mind more as I watch some lawns green up faster than others. Then the rains come and wash everything into ditches, sewers and gutters. Much of the run-off going into rivers, lakes and streams is due to “Lawn Care Products” applied to grass in the spring and fall. These products cause more harm than good (I’ll get to the gluten part in a minute) in a variety of ways.

* Lawn fertilizers that “Green Up” your grass right away (AKA “Fast Release Fertilizers”) actually put such a boost into your grass that it weakens it for the rest of the season. Having the first green lawn on your block means you’ll be fertilizer dependent all summer and fall while your later-greening neighbors enjoy grass with longer-term health.

* By forcing your grass roots to go deeper into the soil for nutrients and moisture early on in the growing season, it’ll be disease-and drought-resistant all season long.

* Another reason not to top your grass with additional phosphorus is the problems caused when it runs off your lawn and into streams, lakes and rivers. Phosphorus causes excessive algae bloom which can be poisonous to wildlife, people and pets. Excessive algae bloom also chokes out “good plants” growing in waterways that keep the water clean. Phosphorus is only necessary on a brand new lawn, it doesn’t have any benefits to established lawns.

* If you’re unsure about your lawn’s needs, consult a landscaper or test your soil yourself. Obviously Monsanto and Scotts is going to tell you to buy their products–like magazine models make us feel inferior about our appearance, they will convince you that your lawn is inferior if it doesn’t look uniformly green and glossy.

*  For an organic and nontoxic approach to weed prevention (wait for it…) applying corn gluten meal before the forsythia blooms will keep pre-emergents at bay.

*  And for a safe and environmentally friendly way to feed your soil and improve your lawn, try applying worm castings as you would a commercial fertilizer.  They don’t cost more and they’re safe for everyone, pets and children included, immediately after application.

A healthy lawn can be a great place to play, but there are many ways to keep it plush and green without poisoning the planet.  Think twice before buying bags of fertilizer this spring!