SafeLawns.org announced three nationwide initiatives April 4th, 2007 on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the “nation’s front yard.” The cherry blossoms were aglow and the warm spring showers were helping the spring bulbs grow as we set out to change the way America cares for her lawns.

The three inaugural initiatives unveiled that day are:

1. The SafeLawns Million Acre Challenge

Global warming is arguably the most serious and basic issue of our time, and yet homeowners are often frustrated by what to do to help. One great answer is to commit to caring for your lawn in an eco-friendly way, by eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, using push and/or electric mowers, and watering and planting responsibly. Every acre of turf manages responsibly captures carbon that would otherwise make global warming worse.

Help us help the world eliminate global warming by pledging your property to eco-friendly management. there are over 40 million acres of turf in the USA. Fill out the pledge form below and help us meet our goal of converting one million acres by 2010. Every square foot in every square yard in America counts!

2. The SafeLawns Environmental Partnership

The state of Connecticut has banned lawn chemicals from use around day care centers and elementary schools. Maine, Vermont and Minnesota have all worked on regulation the unnecessary use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers.

Some Canadian cities and provinces have gone even further. SafeLawns will work with grassroots groups in these and other states to introduce legislation of this type in all 50 states nationwide.

We challenge homeowners, consumers and citizens in each state to join us in this effort. Sign up for mailing list using the form below to keep abreast of progress in your own state and town.

3. Get Your Grass Off Gas

If your lawn is a third acre or less, consider trading your gas-powered mower for either:

1) An electric mower powered by an extension cord;
2) A mower powered by a rechargeable battery or
3) A reel mower powered by you, the user.

Here is a link to an article about the subject. Think about the other ways your lawn uses gas, too:

1) In the manufacturing of chemical fertilizers.
2) To create electricity to run the pumps that bring water to your lawn.
3) Driving to and from the garden center to purchase products
4) When weed-wacking
5) When blowing leaves
6) When transporting clippings to the landfill
7) Manufacturing the plastic bags to hold the clippings.

You get the idea. By growing a smaller lawn and/or switching to organic lawn care you can reduce or even eliminate many of these gas-guzzling factors.