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Summer is on its way, though you may not believe it from the weather we've had. And with summer comes the drone of lawnmowers and weed-whackers. We in Massachusetts love our lawns and gardens, and when the snow finally melts and we can see them again, we invest a lot of time and money in making them look just so. Unfortunately, while the results are beautiful, some of the methods we use are dangerous for our children, pets, and local wildlife, and contribute to the environment in unhealthy ways. Luckily there are some small changes that will make a world of difference to your community. Here's a few:

Go chemical free!
Pesticides and herbicides are hazardous to human health and also poison birds and pollute streams. Remember, as our knowledge about the toxicity of these chemicals increases, the "safe" threshold of exposure has been continuously revised downward. Why take the risk for yourself, children and animals who are especially vulnerable? Click here for steps to a healthy, chemical-free yard.

Go native!
Plant native plants in your garden. They are more likely to do well without chemicals, need less watering, and they will attract butterflies and birds. Click here for information and resources.

Go old-fashioned!
Gas-powered equipment spews pollutants into the air. Try an electric mower or do it the old-fashioned way with a push reel mower. It's non-polluting, healthier for the lawn because it instantly composts clippings, and makes for a more peaceful, enjoyable lawn-mowing experience.

Save water and money!
All that watering places a drain on our water supply. Save water by watering efficiently and discriminately. Water thoroughly once a month, early in the morning to reduce evaporation. Water slowly to prevent run-off and increase absorption. Make sure that your sprinklers are not watering sidewalks and driveways. Plant plants with similar water needs close together so that you can water more efficiently.