Photo courtesy of Fiskars
Why don’t we begin this brand new decade with a practical resolution? Yes, I know we’re twenty-two days into things, but I like to form my resolutions a bit before I actually launch.
What if we made a commitment to do one thing to move in the direction of sustainable living? Frankly, I can’t get my feathers ruffled over the climate change argument, ‘er discussion, because I don’t have a dog in that fight, or a chicken for that matter.
Here’s how I look at it: whether you believe in climate change or not, you can still see that we don’t take very good care of our home. As my mother always said, “Don’t foul your nest.”
It’s good advice. In the winter, with the leaves off of the trees and the underbrush, I can see the trash deposited there by those who race by in their cars and pickup trucks. Why is it that people think rural areas are their personal dumping grounds? It’s not just small stuff either. I can count on all ten fingers and toes how many couches, boxes of empty Bud cans, whiskey bottles and even toilets, HH and I have removed from the county ditches adjacent to our home.
Is this just an Oklahoma thing, or do other states have a problem with dumping?
Don’t make me pull out the video of the crying Native American.
Okay, I did.
I think we can all agree that picking up the trash and then recycling it, if possible, is a good thing.
What if we also used a non-polluting, really good, reel mower to take the top off of our lawns? That would be a step in the right direction. Don’t you agree?
Even better, what if that mower were free?
Let’s start off this brand spankin’ new decade with a contest!
The very nice people at Fiskars are letting me give one reader their new Fiskars® Momentum™ Reel Mower. Carol from May Dreams Gardens reviewed the mower in two separate posts: Part I where she put the mower together, and Part II, where she actually mowed.
The new Fiskars® Momentum™ Reel Mower
What’s that? Did I hear a collective cheer across the blogosphere?
Now, for the icky part we rebels would rather not discuss, the rules:
- In a comment, tell me one thing you’re going to do this year to help improve your world in some sustainable fashion. Be imaginative. My non-gardening, but very astute, BFF, Aimee, and I will narrow the contestants down to what we think are the three best answers, and then, dear readers, I’m going to let you vote on who is top dog in a poll.
- Make sure you give me your name and a valid email address in the comment form. If you win, it’s the only way I can reach you.
- Double Bonus Points (brilliantly lifted from my friend, Kathy at Cold Climate Gardening): “Tweet this giveaway on Twitter and in a separate comment include the link to your tweet. (Click on the date stamp of the tweet to get a url you can paste in your comment.” That way I can find your tweet.)
- The giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Midnight.
- In order to give me time to read all the entries, the Top Three will be announced on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. A poll will be put together with the answers, and I’ll let you all decide who wins.
- I will then contact Fiskars with the winner’s information. Fiskars will ship the mower directly to the winner. This contest is open to persons in the United States and Canada. I’m sorry, my European friends. I’m told the shipping costs are too high, and the logistics too complicated.
As written above, to win this lovely prize, I need a comment telling me one thing you will do this year to make your world more sustainable. I’ve already given you a few ideas, now you help me.
What can we do to make Earth better and “greener?” You decide.
© 2010, Dee Nash. All rights reserved.
January 22nd, 2010 on 3:27 pm
One way.. this is hard. Can’t drive much less, as I have to get to work,…
Mostly, I suppose I’ll have to take things as they come and be mindful.
January 22nd, 2010 on 4:10 pm
no more buying bottled water
mverno@roadrunner.com
January 22nd, 2010 on 4:44 pm
I could really use this prize
January 22nd, 2010 on 4:48 pm
Well, personally I think the best way to begin is to educate yourself on sustainability. I’ve signed up to take a Sustainable Energy class at my university, and I have to do a project for the class. I plan to write a paper on applying a solar energy system to my home and see how that would affect my CO2 footprint for a year.
January 22nd, 2010 on 4:57 pm
We’re going to buy five pounds of red worms and build a bin to start vermicomposting! We already have a big compost pile, but the worms are so much faster and the castings have worked wonders on my plants in the past. I’m hoping we’ll be able to pick up some of our family members’ scraps to compost, too.
meganandmason AT gmail.com
January 22nd, 2010 on 5:45 pm
I am no longer using plastic (or paper) bags from stores! Goodbye to all those zillion bags I take home from WalMart yearly. I have my reuseable bags with me in the car, ready to fill up!
I’m going to try to post on twitter, but not sure if I can. I hope it’s simple, I’ll let ya know if it works!
January 22nd, 2010 on 5:49 pm
Easy peasy! Got it tweeted, or twittered, or whatever!
http://twitter.com/AlamoNorth/status/8087627108
January 22nd, 2010 on 6:15 pm
I’m actually planning to BUY a Momentum mower as my contribution to the environment.
In fact, when I got an email from somebody at Fiskars- a blah blah nice to see you at GWA email, I wrote back and said “WHEN CAN WE BUY THESE AND WHERE?” I’ve been so excited to get one:
Mowing without noise and gasoline + exercise = cleaner environment and healthier Katie!
It also goes along with my plan to exercise using things/environment around me, rather than driving to a gym or pool this winter. I bike, do the elliptical machine (it is not electric), walk and do crunches at home instead of driving to the YWCA.
Now, when the water warms up enough to surf, I will have to drive to the beach. Luckily, it isn’t far.
January 22nd, 2010 on 6:16 pm
This year, I am going to teach at least 20 people how to garden with less water, no chemicals, and pollinator friendly plants.
January 22nd, 2010 on 6:37 pm
I don’t need to be entered into the contest – I have one of these. My neighbors call it the ACOUSTIC lawnmower and make fun of me when I mow! Which, of course, drives me crazy… One thing I plan to do is outfit my bike to carry groceries. It’s only 3 miles to town and I plan to peddle it all summer long.
January 22nd, 2010 on 6:51 pm
I am going to ride my bicycle more this year. I don’t live far from anything in our small town. What a marvelous machine you and Fiskars are giving away.
I know exactly what you mean about people dumping things. I live at the edge of town and people throw out all sorts of things. Nothing as large as a sofa or toilet but all the accoutrements that goes with each. I even called the police about hypodermic needles. I didn’t want to touch them. UGH…
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:11 pm
I plan to continue my recent involvement in local city planning – we have a protected water zone that the city continues to encroach upon and allow developers to pave over it, and I am consistently inserting my humble opinion about developing in a Green way. And I promise not to remove my toilet from the bathroom and toss it into a ditch!
Thanks, Dee…
Robin
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:26 pm
ok seriously this is an awesome mower and just moved into a new place that will need mowing by us and was telling the kids I want something like this or they can go out and get thier vitamin d and trim with their scissors.
We do all the normal things like tote bags, recycling packages and donating clothes, books to organizations that can use. What else do we do- conserve gas in the car- make one huge trip and plan….we also unplug things in the house when not in use- yep even the computers and microwave- and we have the if its brown flush it down and if its yellow let it mellow theory around here. We also have solar lights outside the house for nighttime lighting of porch and backyard. We collect rainwater to water the plants and only have the heat on when its really cold. They are learning they need to be responsible too- yeh the rechargeable batteries are cool but there is so much more they can do and I encourage everyone till repuropse here till there is no purpose at all or it is donated
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:26 pm
PLANT (20) TREE SEEDLINGS ON MY PROPERTY AND PASS OUT (100) TREE SEDLINGS IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD.
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:29 pm
We have been recycling more and we purchased two dual-flush toilets for our bathrooms to save water and a rain barrel for watering the garden.
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:32 pm
Oh, wouldn’t I love one of these! First of all, I can tell you what I’d do with the mower. We have too many acres of grass to mow with just a reel mower, but I plan to dig up more and more of a circular grassy area for gardens. I need something to mow around these flowerbeds, or my husband won’t be able to get around them with the big riding mower without chopping down flowers.
I don’t have any really creative ideas, but I am becoming more diligent about using my reusable grocery bags every time I shop–no more plastic! Now that I’ve discovered the wonders of newspapers for a base for mulch to keep the weeds out, I’m recycling all my newspapers. And I’m making a point to buy environmentally friendly cleaners as I replace my cleaning supplies.
I hear you about the dumping!
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:36 pm
I am going to sweep the patio and sidewalk with a broom instead of allowing my husband to use the loud, energy sucking, leaf blower, or water wasting hose.
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:40 pm
I own a martial art school in Muncie, Indiana. To make my world Greener and more Sustainable, I am offering my students and their families a discount (or a bonus of some sort) for every thing that they do to make their world Greener and more Sustainable. We are firm believers that defending the Earth is the ultimate act of self-defense.
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:43 pm
Hopefully that’s the proof you need. Thanks!
http://twitter.com/KukSoolMuncie/statuses/8091376868
January 22nd, 2010 on 8:37 pm
What will I do to promote more sustainable living? What I’ve been doing already: Teaching my students about it.
January 22nd, 2010 on 9:17 pm
We are starting our first garden this summer and plan on using my bike more instead of driving.
January 22nd, 2010 on 11:08 pm
Unlike that loon caitlyn flanagan who dissed on school gardens, I totally believe planting a school garden helps to connect kids to the farmers who grow our food, and teaches them more about sustainability. Thru a program called Writers in the Schools, I’m scheduled to give a series of talks to school kids in a few schools around the province from grades primary-12 later this spring and again in the fall. One school has already planned to start a garden this spring, & donate the produce to local food bank, based on my presentations and encouragement to them in the fall. It’s all about paying it forward and teaching the next generation. Their excitement is a huge delight to me.
January 22nd, 2010 on 11:25 pm
Help my husband (who uses a gas mower) mow our yard this summer with this reel mower. Helps our planet and my body! (It also reminds me of my dad because this is all he ever had to use.)
January 22nd, 2010 on 11:28 pm
You need this to get the .optimum cut on your lawn, However not good if lots of weeds
January 23rd, 2010 on 12:53 am
I already the usual things: recycle cans,bottles, newspapers and plastic. I use a window fan instead of an air conditioner and try to consolidate my car trips to save gas. The one big project I’d like to do this coming year is clear my closet of all those clothes that I no longer wear for one reason or another and alter, upcycle or reconstruct them to make them wearable again; instead of running out to buy yet another jacket, top or pants or skirt.
January 23rd, 2010 on 3:06 am
I will use my reusable bags more, ride the bus and walk more, recycle more, and be an example of wise environmental stewardship to those around me. I hope to start an eco-friendly lawn care and gardening craze. So in spirit of this contest, here is a haiku:
earth-friendly mowing
many seasons of green grass
and a clean, blue sky
https://twitter.com/cntsg/status/8104364774
January 23rd, 2010 on 8:13 am
Perhaps my answer is simplistic, but I feel that it is the basis for a wonderful foundation of future stewards of the Earth…my kids. To improve the world, I live in a “Green” way….in every way. I recycle, reuse, shop at thrift stores, and most importantly, by example, I’ve taught my kids to live the same way. It all starts in the home, and if we can get all moms and dads on board with a profoundly Earth-friendly philosophy of life, then future generations can continue to clean up the messes of the past, and make our world safer and greener.
January 23rd, 2010 on 8:14 am
tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/8110109049
January 23rd, 2010 on 9:20 am
I have STOPPED buying paper plates and am switching to cloth napkins. What do we get from paper plates? We don’t have to wash 1 more item? And for that price we clog up our landfills with more and more disposable, I have tons of dishes (I have a dish collecting problem!) so why shouldn’t we use all those pretty little plates? So, the 7-year old goes to school with a lunch box full of tupperware instead of plastic baggies and I wash more dishes. No big deal, but it would be if we all gave up paper and bags! That’s my first GREEN contribution. Pushing a mower, would be a BIG contribution, though. And I’d get exercise out of it, too. A 2-fer! Thanks for hosting such a fun and worthwhile contest. And how nice that the Fiskars people are giving it to you – pretty cool idea. Good luck!
January 23rd, 2010 on 10:13 am
We live in a rural, “foothills” area and the back edge of our property falls off like a cliff. But there’s enough dirt there for weeds to grow, and grow well. We’ve been here for almost three years and we’ve been paying someone to come in twice a year and hack down those weeds (with a gas weed wacker)…because we have to.
This year, we’re beginning the conversion to native grasses, wildflowers, herbs and maybe even some berries and veggies on our “cliff.” We’re going to apply design concepts and get it designated a “backyard habitat” so we won’t be required to mow it down.
It’s a huge area so we won’t be able (financially) to convert the whole “cliff” in one year, but it’s our next big project.
January 23rd, 2010 on 11:54 am
I can tell you we are using cloth diapers through our second Kid. We are going to continue this traditions until we are one having kids. I am going to grow a garden and fill the freezer. I will not be supporting the frozen vegetables companies anymore. I will not be buying anything not made in the US and I will walk to work as I live close. I will continue volunteer to clean up the local parks and I will ride a bus when need be.
January 23rd, 2010 on 12:36 pm
!. Collect rain water to water my flowers.
2. Not water lawn.
3. Walk to any errand that is within 5 miles of my house. Good for me and the budget (less gas money)
4. Mulch and compost whatever and whenever I can.
5. Buy less, use less…We used to have 3 huge garbage bags of trash every week..we are now down to 1 bag every other week. We recycle and reuse and buy less.
January 23rd, 2010 on 3:09 pm
My eleven year old and I are in affirmative action. We have drawn out the plans to our backyard oasis garden. So we can start the major part of our project in the spring. We have sectioned the backyard into four areas using bricks we have found at torn down buildings. These bricks will also provide not only a grid but a walkway. Section one will be our wild bird area with birdbaths, bird feeders, ( we are going to make these with recycled products we find) We will be planting Trees and small bushes in this area. Section 2 The butterfly & humming bird area. We will be using recycled water bottles for the feeders. and planting hummingbird and butterfly friendly plants. Section 3 will be our flower garden, We are going to use freecycle to locate seeds and rose bushes that no one wants anymore. Section 4 will be our Veggie Garden, We think it will be productive enough to even give some to neighbors. The best part of this is that it is something that it will give us quality time. And in the future it will be there for her to do with her children.
waitressdani (AT)
hotmail (DOT) com
January 23rd, 2010 on 4:07 pm
We moved to Missouri from Arizona last year, and I’m SO looking forward to having a vegetable and herb garden. Being able to provide some of our own food will be great! I also started composting recently. My Mom and I are opening a coffee shop/restaurant soon, and even though it’s a bit more expensive, all the paper products (cups, to-go boxes, etc) are eco-friendly – either compostable, made of recycled materials, or made of corn or sugar instead of petroleum. I can also walk to work….won’t have to drive NEARLY as much as I used to in AZ. I have a pretty big yard to mow and would absolutely LOVE to be able to use a non-gas or -electric powered mower!!!! Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to win!
January 23rd, 2010 on 6:48 pm
First, I’m going to use this mower on my neighbor’s yard. Seriously. He mows twice a week, then blows all the clippings around to double his pollution (air and sound). Second, I’ve been thinking about buying some of those cheap, 5 foot, $20 trees at Home Depot and giving them to my neighbors who have NOT ONE TREE on their newly-developed suburban plots. Third, I’m not going to water my garden at all this year. Third and a half, I’ll only water with the rain barrel.
January 23rd, 2010 on 8:01 pm
I have taken over much of my backyard with a vegetable garden and clotheslines. I only need to mow a grass pathway around the perimeter for the doggie. Our small front yard is grass but since we don’t water, we don’t need to cut but every 2 or 3 weeks. No blower or powered trimmer, I like a natural look
I compost all our kitchen scraps, cardboard, paper, yard clippings. I have 3 rain barrels. I do a lot of cooking from scratch now but any jars that do come in I keep and reuse for many things. I put window quilts up in the winter to help keep the house warmer. I recycle most of our milk jugs, but I also keep many to use in the garden as mini greenhouses and ollas.
I work at home as a website designer and my husband is disabled and at home, so our car frequently sits for days without going anywhere!
My one goal this year, is if I don’t win the mower, to purchase one.
Please! I really really want one!
January 23rd, 2010 on 8:58 pm
I plan to use this to mow our ditch. It’s very steep. Plus I prefer to not use anything powered. I’m more comfortable using my own. Free exercise.
January 23rd, 2010 on 9:40 pm
We already compost, we recycle and we have an organic garden. We don’t have a push mower yet. We are going to plant a row in our garden this summer for our local food bank and another extra row for a local women’s shelter. They need fresh produce and aren’t able to have their own garden.
We have been trying and WILL this year catch the water from the shower as we are waiting for it to get hot in a bucket and put it in a bigger 5 gallon container to use for watering plants, filling the dog’s bowls and mopping the floor. Waiting for the water to get hot in our shower equals 1 gallon. That is 7 gallons a week per person. There are 2 of us in the household plus 2 dogs. They don’t shower often. They do drink a lot of water.
Three hundred and sixty four gallons of water a year per person just going down the drain waiting to turn hot is a awful waste. If we moved even our front and back lawn with a push mower (not much grass in the back either) we would not pollute and save gas. Sounds like a good idea to me!!!
January 23rd, 2010 on 11:36 pm
I unplug unused electronics, line dry my cloths, use aluminum water bottles and refill them, carpool with 2 friends to work, I use canvas bags when I go shopping, I reuse boxes and bubble wrap when I receive packages. etc
January 23rd, 2010 on 11:55 pm
My first thought was that I would finally get rid of the invasive bush honeysuckle from the edge of my woods so that the wildflowers will return. My second thought was to finally get a bee hive instead of just talking about it.
January 24th, 2010 on 7:56 am
This mower would be great for me. I have been asked and agreed to help several homeschool families start their own companion planting vegetable gardens…
http://morefamilyandflowers-darla.blogspot.com rusdarathotmaildotcom
.
Carol sent me by..
January 24th, 2010 on 8:14 am
Our family of 5 walks this world with a light footprint, but we also recognize the need for improvement. One of the ways to do so is to use this very mower! But also, this year we plan to double the size of our vegetable garden. But is more about size, we also plan to better utilize the space with intensive planning to increase yield. No doubt, we will produce more than our family (and neighbors) will need. Fortunately, our local Plant a Row for the Hungry has a drop off location enroute to a daily commute.
H.
January 24th, 2010 on 11:56 am
Oh, by the way Carol sent me!!!!!
This will be the year of learning,” going green growth”, and passing on what I learn.
I will continue the practices that I have already embraced/implemented and expand from there. I would like to think that every day,I can do at least one more thing to educate myself in making my home and lifestyle a place that I deserve to live in.
January 24th, 2010 on 12:43 pm
After reading everyone’s ideas & comments, I have decided that I am going to offer a regular segment on my blog, “ThanksFor2Day”, where I will feature someone (perhaps many of your commenters!) sharing their contribution to our wonderful world through their sustainable living practices. My blog title provides a perfect opportunity to spread the word about ways to show our thankfulness for the environment and share ways we give back to Mother Earth. My contribution to this lifestyle will promise to include more consistent recycling, starting a compost bin, starting a vegetable garden (I have the perfect places for both!) and adding a rain barrel at the bottom of a gutter that is right next to the area I am going to put the vegetable garden! I am thrilled to be motivated, by you & all of these bloggers, into actually putting some of these ideas into practice! I’ve learned so much since joining the garden-blogging world,and am making a commitment to give back by adding new practices to my lifestyle, and by utilizing my blog to spread the word about this important practice! Now that it’s written publicly, there will be no turning back, and I am committed! Additionally, that mower would be a delight in my backyard, which is surrounded by a stonewall, making it very difficult to lug a heavy, gas-mower back there. I’d store it under my deck, pull it out, and have my backyard mowed in a healthy manner…and if I don’t win, I am putting it on my wishlist;-)
January 24th, 2010 on 1:01 pm
This year, in addition to recycling, using my own bags at ALL stores, (not just the grocery) and having a rain barrel, I will plant my vegetable garden with local organic seeds. I am also planning to create more flower beds in my yard, with native flowers, to help with run off in my yard. I never water my lawn, only use my rain barrel for watering the garden and flowers as needed. I work with low income individuals for a non profit organization and we have instituted recycling at our office. This year, I pledge to hold a class monthly for our clients to focus on sustainability as well.
Thanks for this great opportunity! Carol sent me.
January 24th, 2010 on 1:06 pm
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/yogapj
January 24th, 2010 on 2:35 pm
I’ve always wanted one of these. I’ve eliminated as much mowing as I can but I still have small areas of grass. I’ve been recycling for years and I recently stopped using paper plates and paper towels. It takes a minute longer to wash real plates but that is paper saved and maybe I’m saving a tree.
This year I’ve decided to walk to work when I can. I only live one mile from the university where I work and it is about a 20 minute walk one way. I’m doing this for two reasons – to be healthier and to help lower my blood pressure and to save gas and reduce pollution.
January 24th, 2010 on 3:44 pm
I applaud you for this post! I already do many of the green activities mentioned in the previous comments. Something new this year: My goal is to take tomorrow’s meat out of the freezer the night before, and let it thaw in the refrigerator, instead of using the microwave. This is hard for me as I don’t usually plan ahead. Your efforts are appreciated!!
January 24th, 2010 on 4:21 pm
Dee,
Love this mower. Saw it in action w/May Dreams Gardens behind it at the GWA conference. It is one sweeeeeeeet little unit. Perfect for the small lawn and takes nothing but human power to make it go. I already have a nice little mower, so I am not participating in the conference, but want you to know what a great idea I think this is!
January 24th, 2010 on 5:25 pm
I have a large vegetable garden and three perennial gardens. All need water – in the summer, a lot of water. While our water comes from a well, over the past few years our part of town has been inundated with newly built, large homes. This is clearly affecting the water table – neighbors have begun running out of water at various times. I realize we’re lucky – there are many places on Earth in serious trouble with regard to water. But it is important that everyone conserve.
This year, my husband gave me a rain barrel for Christmas. I plan to create a system which will allow me to water all my gardens with water collected from the rain barrel (I may even purchase a second one!). To save water, we already limit time in the shower (and installed low-flow showerheads) and use a front loading washer, which requires less water.
We have never watered our lawn, but that doesn’t stop it from growing! This mower would be a wonderful way to reduce our carbon footprint, get more exercise and save on fuel. Thank you for this great giveaway.
Oh, and the garden? Not only do we have fresh vegetables from May through October and beyond, but we participate in Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) and deliver as much produce as possible to a local food pantry.