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EPA Seeks to Change Water-Guzzling Grass Usage

Posted by: Alek Miller

18 September 2009 - 12:00pm

This year, the Environmental Protection Agency will expand its WaterSense program to label newly built homes which are 20 percent more water-efficient than standard homes. The label's landscaping clause is causing a stir among grass enthusiasts.

"[The EPA's WaterSense program team leader, Virginia] Lee says the average home in America uses 30% of its water outdoors, and in some areas of the country that number soars to 70%. While there's nothing to stop homeowners from planting all the turfgrass they want once they move in, with WaterSense landscaping as an initial template, she says, 'we are trying to teach people to plant appropriate landscapes.'"

"And Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., the world's largest lawn and garden company, has criticized the EPA's outdoor plan as 'arbitrary' and 'not supported by science.'"

Full Story: Turf Wars: Battling to Cut Water Use
Source: The Wall Street Journal, September 17, 2009
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