The environmental program Strive for Five, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton and the National Arbor Day Foundation, has five ideas to help you clean up the environment.
1. Tune up your lawn mower once a year. This task takes 30 minutes or less. It cuts your mower’s emissions by up to 50 percent and fuel consumption up to 30 percent.
2. Plant a tree. Trees not only beautify your yard and increase the value of your home, but also absorb carbon dioxide pollutants and release oxygen into the air. A mature tree helps shade your home from summer heat, reducing cooling costs.
3. Water wisely. Water your lawn in the evening or early in the morning so water is absorbed by the soil, rather than evaporated by the sun. Set your sprinklers carefully to avoid wasting water on pavement.
4. Don’t spill gasoline. Use care when fueling your mower and other power equipment—spilled gasoline is an air pollutant.
5. Use and dispose of weed killers and insecticides carefully. Read all the directions so you do not harm wildlife and valuable plants.
Photo courtesy of Briggs and Stratton