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Contra Costa Newsletter and Newspaper Articles and Announcement
The following is text used for newspaper and newsletter articles in the Contra Costa County campaign.
Newsletter Announcement
Title:Grass Clippings + Recycling=Grasscycling!
Take the next step to reduce yard waste by Grasscycling! Grasscycling is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. Clippings decompose quickly, returning nutrients and moisture to the soil. For more information on grasscycling, including the free videotape “Make Most of Your Lawn, Make the Most of Your Time, Grasscycle!", or the Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste brochure, contact the Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste Campaign by calling 925-906-1806 or visit our website at www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/.
Word Count: 91
Newspaper/Newsletter Articles
Title: Grass Clippings + Recycling=Grasscycling! (Long Version)
Take the next step to reduce yard waste by Grasscycling! Grasscycling is the simple practice of leaving your grass clippings on the lawn. This is a great way to "recycle" grass clippings and return moisture and nutrients that will benefit your lawn.
Grass clippings have a high moisture content and also hold a variety of micro-nutrients, including large amounts of nitrogen. Leaving the clippings on the lawn will return moisture and nutrients to the soil beneath your lawn . Grasscycling is also an important way to avoid the work of grass disposal, and it is so easy to do. Simply cut your lawn often enough so that you never cut more then a third of the blade length (producing 1" or less clippings). For most people, this means cutting the lawn once every one to two weeks. Clippings will remain on the lawn but quickly disappear as dehydration and decomposition take place.
Concerned about grasscycling causing thatch? Don't be. Research has shown that there is absolutely no relationship between thatch and grasscycling. Concerned about appearance. Again, you shouldn't be because if done properly, the clippings will disappear after dehydration. Do you need special equipment? Absolutely not! Most any lawnmower in good operating condition will do. Even if you don't maintain your lawn you can Grasscycle. Just ask your gardener to do it. Most already know how and if they don't they can get free advice from us. The Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, Contra Costa County [and City of XX] are starting the Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste Campaign this spring to encourage more people to Grasscycle. To receive a free copy of the “Make Most of Your Lawn, Make the Most of Your Time, Grasscycle!" video, or Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste brochure, call 925-906-1806 or visit our website at www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/.
Word Count: 285
Title: Grass Clippings + Recycling=Grasscycling! (Short Version)
Take the next step to reduce yard waste by Grasscycling! Grasscycling is the simple practice of leaving your grass clippings on the lawn. This is a great way to "recycle" grass clippings and return moisture and nutrients that will benefit your lawn. Grasscycling is also a great way to avoid the work of grass disposal.
To Grasscycle, simply cut your lawn often enough so that you never cut more then a third of the blade length (producing 1" or less clippings). For most people, this means cutting the lawn once every one to two weeks. Clippings will remain on the lawn but quickly disappear as dehydration and decomposition takes place.
Grasscycling does not cause thatch or spread diseases and, if done correctly, will not change the appearance of your lawn. No special equipment is needed but a good functioning lawn mower (push mowers work fine). The Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, Contra Costa County, [and City of XX] are starting the Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste Campaign this spring to encourage more people to Grasscycle. To receive a free copy of the “Make the Most of Your Lawn, Make the Most of Your Time, Grasscycle!" video, or the Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste brochure, call 925-906-1806 or visit our website at www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/.
Word Count: 180
Title: Grasscycling: Sending Your Grass Back To Its Roots!
Grasscycling is the simple practice of leaving your clippings on the lawn. You may have thought this practice went out of style, but the benefits of grasscycling are worth another look. It is a great way to reduce yard waste while returning beneficial moisture and nutrients to your lawn. Grasscycling is also a great way to avoid the work and cost of grass disposal.
To grasscycle, simply cut your lawn often enough so that you never cut more then a third of the blade length (producing 1" or less clippings). For most people, this means cutting the lawn once every one to two weeks. Clippings will remain on the lawn but quickly disappear as dehydration and decomposition take place.
If done correctly, grasscycling does not cause thatch or spread diseases, and contrary to common belief, it will not change the appearance of your lawn. No special equipment is needed other then a good lawn mower.
Contra Costa County, the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, and the Cities of Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon are beginning the Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste campaign to encourage more people to Grasscycle. To receive the free Grasscycle! Clip Your Waste brochure and "Make the Most of Your Lawn, Make the Most of Your Time-Grasscycle!" video, call 925-906-1806 or visit our website at www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/grass/ .
Word Count: 244
Title: Home Composting and Grasscycling: Reduce Waste and Improve the Health of your Yard and Garden
Looking for simple and inexpensive ways to improve the health of your lawn and yardscape? Why not consider home composting and grasscycling. Both are great ways to help your lawn, garden, and surrounding yardscape maintain optimum health and beauty.
Home Composting is a natural process that transforms yard waste into "humus", a wonderful soil conditioner and low-level fertilizer. Humus, or finished compost, is ideal for use in areas with rock hard "adobe" soil or anywhere else to improve soil texture and vitality. Home composting is easy to do. New bins and special tools make composting easier than ever. By making your own compost, you reduce your need for store-bought soil amendments that saves you money!
Grasscycling is another way to reduce waste and nourish the soil. Grasscycling is the simple practice of leaving lawn clippings on the lawn. Why grasscycle? It’s easy because it removes the work of grass clipping disposal, saving you time and money. It’s also healthy for the lawn. Did you know that grass clippings are 85% water and have a high nitrogen content. By grasscycling, you allow nitrogen, and moisture to return to the soil beneath the lawn after each mowing. This will give you a healthier lawn, and reduce your fertilizer requirements by as much as 20%.
To learn more about the benefits of composting and grasscycling and to request additional information and free videotape, call 925-906-1806. Home composting and grasscycling public education efforts are sponsored by Contra Costa County, the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, and the Cities of Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon.
Word Count: 297
tab 6/02/99
