Letters to the Editor: Ontario patriotic pride and lawn care pollution

A salute to Ontario from a local veteran

I want to thank the Ontario leadership for stepping up to the plate over the past few years when it comes to patriotism. For many years they didn’t have anything patriotic attached to their light posts along Lexington-Springmill Road, but then they began attaching banners which were patriotic. Last year they actually began flying the American flag from the poles lining their main street like our surrounding communities Lexington, Shelby, Bellville and Butler. This year they are displaying a new addition by adding a Veterans Row that features area veterans similar to those found in neighboring communities.

In the past I have written letters commending their efforts as I and many others have appreciated seeing their patriotism through the summer months. Thank you, Ontario, as I am very proud of what you are doing, and I feel that there are many others who agree with me.

John Q. Kinton, U. S. Navy veteran, Ontario

A better lawn care alternative is needed

“In 2020, fossil fuel-powered lawn equipment emitted over 30 million tons of carbon dioxide, which is more than all the greenhouse gas emissions produced by Los Angeles in 2021. Lawn equipment emissions also include nitrogen oxide, fine particulates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, running a new gasoline lawn mower for one hour emits the same amount of VOCs and nitrogen oxide as driving a new car 45 miles.” Source: Google AI Overview.

I mow 3 to 5 acres a week with a diesel mower. I am really concerned about the pollution. When I consider there are millions upon millions of people doing the same thing, I get even more concerned.

Climate change is impossible to ignore. The main contributors are fossil fuels from all users. The above statement shows how bad mowers and other lawn care equipment is in the USA. Put that on a global scale and the damage is huge.

Many grass seed companies are now offering "no mow" grass seed. These usually contain fine fescue grasses that need mowed only once or twice a year. Think of the reduced fuel use and time savings! These grasses are drought resistant requiring less water and fertilizers. They grow thick low grass with dense roots to help it endure drought conditions.

There are around 229 million families with lawn mowers. Each mowing family spends about 70 hours a year mowing.The electric mowers available usually have small cut (13-20 inches) lines and the batteries don’t hold up very long. I see riding electric mowers for sale a lot online, most without batteries, which cost a whole lot!

The pride we put in our lawns re-enforces the Bible conclusion that pride is the greatest sin. PS 19:123.

William Opperman, Mansfield

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Ontario OH patriotic display, concerns about lawn care pollution