May Action: Stow the Mower

Freeport CAN is working on a long list of action steps to  reduce our community’s contribution to climate change. One of them is urging homeowners to stow their mowers in May as a way to reduce carbon emissions.

Why No Mow May?

Nearly 54 million Americans mow their lawns weekly. According to the EPA, gasoline-powered mowers and other lawn equipment emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, producing up to 5% of the nation’s air pollution. Each gas-powered lawn mower spews 87 pounds of the greenhouse gas CO2 into our atmosphere every year.

In addition, mowing early in the growing season eliminates a crucial food supply for local pollinators such as bees and butterflies that are emerging from winter life stages. Pollinators are in a precarious situation worldwide, and are disappearing at an alarming rate due to a number of factors including climate change. Allowing lawns to grow a little wild in early spring helps pollinators coming out of hibernation. Wildflowers that appear in our lawns such as dandelions, native violets, and clover provide nectar and pollen that insects need for food.

Mowing less can make your lawn more diverse and interesting. A longer, healthier lawn increases carbon sequestration and makes it more resistant to pests and drought events.

Small changes make a big difference

Not ready to give up mowing for the whole month, but still interested in reducing your impact on the climate and pollinators? Consider changing your lawn mowing practices a bit. For example, reduce the frequency of mowing. Allow some areas of your lawn to grow longer, while cutting the grass shorter where you like to gather or play. Shrink the size of your lawn, incorporating more native, pollinator-friendly plants along the edges or in a centrally placed garden. At the end of your gas-powered lawn mower’s life, replace it with a battery powered one, or better yet, a human powered push mower.

Who knows? You might find that breaking the green lawn habit in favor of a messier but more natural landscaping is an easy and rewarding way to do something good for your small part of the planet. Take the pledge and stow your mower in the month of May and help do your part to reduce carbon emissions in Maine.