Summary: Americans are obsessed with lawns. In a perfect world, your grass is vibrant green. There’s nary a weed, and there are certainly no dandelions. It’s lush and neatly edged; yard care consists of trimming to exactly an inch and a half tall.<br> But in order to achieve this idyllic lawn, you must be willing to shell out either money or time, despite the fact that there are other things you’d likely rather spend your money on and other things you’d like to do with your free time.<br> And then there are environmental implications associated with yard care. What are they, exactly, and how can we make our backyards more eco-friendly for both our kids and the species that call them home?<br> Here’s a preview of today’s episode:<br> [3:40] The relationship between yard care and personal status<br> [6:30] 5 environmental implications associated with conventional lawn care<br> [17:40] 10 eco-friendly yard care tips<br> <br> Resources mentioned in today’s episode:<br> <br> * <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/the-american-obsession-with-lawns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The American Obsession with Lawns</a> (via Scientific American)<br> * <a href="https://todayshomeowner.com/calculating-lawn-irrigation-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawn irrigation costs calculator</a><br> <br> This week’s sponsors:<br> <br> <br> * <a href="https://reelpaper.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reel Paper</a>: Use code SUSTAINABLEMINIMALISTS at checkout for 25% off your first order<br> * <a href="https://itemerie.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itemerie</a>: Use codes MAMAMINIMALIST for 10% off your first order and FREESHIPPINGPLEASE for free shipping to the US and Canada<br> <br> <br> * Access this week’s Show Notes <a href="https://www.mamaminimalist.com/lawn-care/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.<br> * Want more episodes like this one? Check out <a href="https://mamaminimalist.com/137/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">#137: 5 Facts about the Global Water Crisis</a>.<br> * Join our (free!) community <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/134165317219800/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.<br> * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SustainableMinimalists/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook,</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommyminimalist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> + <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mommyminimalist/pins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pinterest</a>.<br> <br>
