Educated individuals would say that’s simply not true, and that all green plants absorb carbon dioxide and, in turn, they emit life giving oxygen. And they would be correct. But they have not considered all of the indirect effects of growing and maintaining that lush outdoor carpet which negates any oxygen giving benefits many times over.
First, lawns require water. Lots of it. In fact, in most areas, much more water than is supplied by natural climatic conditions. Water used for irrigation is generally from the same source as tap water, meaning it has been processed through a water treatment facility. Various chemicals have been added (which may leach through the ground) and energy is used, usually oil or coal generated, to process the water.
Second, lawns require regular fertilization, herbicides and pesticides. Their runoff is responsible for much of the pollution in our waterways, including the giant “dead zone” spreading out for over 8,000 square miles into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River delta. It takes 20 pounds of raw materials to manufacture one pound of fertilizer which also requires energy and exhausts 19 lbs of waste product. Not to mention the auto exhaust used for trips back and forth to the yard care store or having a lawn care company drive to your home.
Next, grass grows fast. This requires regular mowing. During the warm months, most lawns are mowed every week. In warmer regions, lawns are mowed throughout the year. Since lawnmowers lack catalytic converters, the EPA estimates that they spew from 5-35 times more emissions per hour than cars.
The same rationale applies to landscape plantings of shrubs, trees and ground cover. While many exotic plants are widely available in all areas, a well thought out native plantscape will substantially reduce maintenance, need for water, fertilizers and pesticides, and provide a home for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Isn’t that a greener choice?
Keith Winn is the VP Marketing/COO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Keith at kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .