Traditional American landscaping focuses on maintaining a manicured green lawn. However, native plants, shrubs, ground cover, meadows, flower beds, and attractively mulched areas are better environmental choices for people and wildlife.

Did you know:

• Southern California residents use an average of 70% of residential water for lawns and outdoor landscaping (VC Star).
• Over 67 million pounds of synthetic pesticides and herbicides are used on U.S. lawns annually. (EPA)
• A gas-powered push mower emits as much hourly pollution as 11 cars and when combined with other gas-powered garden equipment contributes significantly to green-house gas emissions and municipal solidwaste disposal (NWF).
• More than 300 million gallons of gas are used to fuel lawn mowers every year. Californians spill 17 million gallons of that while gassing up outdoor gardening equipment. (VC Star)
• Areas of lawn that include only one type of plant such as a lawn offer little habitat value for birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and other local wildlife that contribute to a balanced ecosystem.