Surveys: Homeowners need more education about how lawn and garden activities impact the environment
Recent research revealed
93 percent of Americans would be willing to change their lawn and garden
activities if it would make a difference in the environment.
This data and more was released during a special media Web conference held April 21 to discuss consumer attitudes and behaviors regarding lawns,
gardens and the environment, and to present the latest research and tips on
environmental stewardship practices. The event was led by industry experts
from the Garden Writers Association, the National Gardening Association, The
New York Botanical Garden, and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.
Research conducted by ScottsMiracle-Gro revealed that homeowners really do
care about the issue of lawn care and the environment, but their behavior
proves a need for more education. Seventy-three percent of homeowners agreed
their individual behavior can make a difference in maintaining a healthy
environment. However, only 25 percent of respondents said they proactively
take personal action to ensure a safer environment.
Research by the National Gardening Association very closely mirrored
findings of the research recently completed by ScottsMiracle-Gro. The research
results found that only three out of 12 environmentally friendly lawn and
landscape practices were used by more than half of all U.S. homeowners with a
yard or garden.
The panelists expressed their personal commitments and strong desire to
help educate the public about taking some simple steps to improve the
environment while also maintaining a healthy lawn and beautiful garden.
A few key environmental stewardship practice tips from the expert
panelists:
- Use the right cultural practices and plant varieties to ensure natural
plant vigor
- Apply fertilizer and water at recommended rates
- Sweep up grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil
- Sweep fertilizer off pavement to keep out of water sources
- Choose the right products for the job and spot treat problem areas with
a ready-made product that you don't have to mix yourself
This article originally appeared in the 04/01/2005 issue of Environmental Protection.