Your lawn care routine might be hurting the environment. Here’s how to “green” your lawn
Your lawn care routine might be hurting the environment. Here's how to "green" your lawn CBS News
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Your lawn care routine might be hurting the environment. Here’s how to “green” your lawn
Introduction
BALTIMORE — As the weather gets warmer and the grass grows taller, households around the world are firing up lawnmowers, weed whackers and other tools to keep their lawns prim.
The warmer temperatures also coincide with a higher risk for ozone alert days and poor air quality.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ground-level ozone can cause coughing and a sore throat, make breathing deeply difficult, and make the lungs more susceptible to infection.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
One of the culprits of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are gas-powered lawn appliances. For Air Quality Awareness Week, which starts on May 6, Clean Air Partners is urging residents to start “greening” their lawn routines to help reduce air pollution.
Tips for a Green Lawn
- Pass on gas tools. Opt for electric and manual lawn care equipment. Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can lower not only emissions, but noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs too.
- Mow on low ozone days when air quality is good.
- Go organic for fertilizers and pesticides. Try natural alternatives like compost, alfalfa, fish meal and neem oil.
- Mow less often by letting your grass grow a little taller.
- Make your own mulch by leaving grass clippings instead of bagging and sending to the landfill.
Conclusion
By following these tips, individuals can contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action. Taking care of our lawns in an environmentally friendly way is essential for a healthier planet.
More from CBS News
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
- Indicator for SDG 7.2: Share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index and waste management practices in cities.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in national policies and planning.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Share of renewable energy in the energy mix. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality index and waste management practices in cities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Integration of climate change measures in national policies and planning. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: cbsnews.com
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