This is probably not what you want to hear, but those ancient, motor-less push mowers are good. That’s because they don’t burn fossil fuels or emit greenhouse gases.
If you do use a power mower (it’s okay – we know you’ll get the electric model next time), try to use a mulching mower. Instead of throwing away the grass clippings, you can let them sit right on the grass and enrich the soil.
According to the EPA, the clippings quickly decompose and release valuable nutrients back into the soil to feed the grass, reducing the need for nitrogen by 25 to 50 percent.

Watering too much or too little is the cause of many common plant problems, says the EPA. You can have healthier plants and save money on water bills by learning to give your lawn and garden what they need, and no more.
According to the EPA, most plants do best if the soil is allowed to partially dry out between waterings. If the grass loses its shine, or if your footprints don’t show up on the lawn, it’s time to water.

According to New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services, you can reduce your cooling and heating bills by as much as 30 percent by landscape planning.

And – you knew we were going to say this, didn’t you? – the way you landscape your yard has a big effect on the environment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a teaspoonful of healthy soil contains about 4 billion organisms. That community of beneficial soil creatures keeps our landscapes healthy by:
• Creating a loose soil structure that allows air, water and plant root growth into the soil.
• Recycling nutrients and making them available to plants.
• Storing water until plants need it.
• Protecting plants from some pests and diseases.

Plant native species suited to the area, and look for plant and grass species that require less water. What types of grasses are growing in your lawn? Says New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services: Where you need to have a lawn, a mixture of grasses (such as fine and tall fescue, perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass), clover and legumes is the ideal combination.
The mix of the different species requires less nitrogen fertilizer, less water, is more resistant to diseases and pests, and provides a more hospitable environment for beneficial insects.
Some tips from the EPA: