Letter of the Day: So long, black leaf bags; hello, all-round community health

Last update: October 26, 2009 - 11:45 AM

The announcement that the Twin Cities metro area communities are going to require compostable bags for yard waste next year (Star Tribune, Oct. 20) reminded me of how unfriendly most suburbanites are to the environment. Every weekend gas-guzzling lawnmowers are roaring in neighborhoods. Gas-operated blowers are piling leaves and grass to be shoved into garbage bags. If the suburbanite does composting, it's most likely above ground with methane gas escaping into the atmosphere. Periodically, lawns are sprayed with chemicals, poisonous to humans, animals and the atmosphere, to keep lawns on which no one walks or plays emerald green and golf-course uniform. All of these things cost the suburbanite in time and money, and, they cost the rest of the world in the degradation of our atmosphere.

I propose we make changes in how we operate: • Use electric mowers, or, better yet, use some muscle and a push mower.

• Mulch your leaves and grass as you go and let them nourish the soil as they lay.

• Instead of composting above ground, bury organic waste and let the worms take care of it.

• If you do the above things, there will be no need for chemical fertilizers and/or bags for yard waste.

The above changes also will increase individual health with more exercise, make yards safe to play in once again, help children learn respect for nature and, glory be, save you money.

JEAN WINSTEAD, CRYSTAL

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