Give your lawn a second life by letting it do what it does naturally: decompose and release nutrients. When organic matter (like grass, leaves, sticks, and food) is put into the landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When leaves are put in the street, they wash into storm sewers and into the lakes, where they contribute to nutrient loading and fertilization of the lake weeds. Left in your yard, however, organic matter becomes a solution rather than a problem. Here are a few suggestions for how to handle grass clippings, leftover food, weeds, and those leaves that will be falling in the not-too-distant future:
- Leave your grass clippings on the lawn when you mow. When left on the lawn, clippings release nutrients back into the soil and help lock in moisture. This reduces your need to fertilize or water your lawn while keeping unnecessary waste out of the landfill.
- Build a compost pile in your yard or make arrangements to share with a neighbor. Compost piles allow you to recycle your leaves, grass clippings, food scraps and weeds by turning them into nutrient rich soil. For more information on how to build a compost pile, see the DNR’s compost website: http://www2.dnr.state.wi.us/environmentprotect/ob/alternatives.htm#compost
- Save your leaves and put them on flower and vegetable beds for winter mulch. Mulch limits weed growth, reduces watering needs, and provides nutrients for your soil and plants. If you don’t have enough leaves in your yard for mulch, collect some from your neighbors’ piles for your garden or compost bin.
- Consider starting a brush pile for woody yard debris. The pile can be a source of stakes and fencing, and birds like them too.
For more information and ideas on how to reduce the amount of waste you put into landfills, visit www.enactwi.org. Check back here in September for new tips from EnAct to help you step more lightly on the environment. EnAct, a program of Madison Environmental Group, Inc., encourages sustainable living and strengthens communities by creating Environmental Action Teams in neighborhoods, community organizations and workplaces. If you are interested in starting your own EnAct team, please contact us at enact@madisonenvironmental.com or (608) 204-2888.