PREVENTING OZONEIn Your Yard

Lawn mowers and lawn equipment contributes to nearly 10% of the Denver area's ozone pre-cursor emissions.  You can do your part to reduce emissions from your yard by following these simple tips:

• Delay mowing until evening -- don't mow, let it grow.
• Maintain your gas-powered mower to help it run cleaner -- change the air filter, oil and spark plugs at least once each season. Keep the underside of the mower free of grass build-up.
• Avoid using two-stroke gasoline-powered yard equipment, such as weed trimmers, since they emit a disproportionate share of air pollution.
• Use a funnel to refuel equipment -- avoid even small spills and drips.
• Reduce lawn watering and fertilizing to discourage excessive lawn growth.
• Xeriscape to reduce lawn area, or change to native western grasses to reduce the need for irrigation and mowing.
• Choose an alternative to charcoal grilling.
• Don't use petroleum distillate charcoal lighter fluids, which emit a lot of harmful vapors. Use an electric starter or charcoal chimney instead.