A frustrated landscaper expressed their disappointment after working on manicured lawns.

"I quit my landscaping position two days into training because my job consisted of destroying ecosystems," wrote the Redditor. "Why do so many people's idea of beauty have to clash with what nature freely provides? It just makes me sad."

"I hear you," responded one user. "I worked on a golf course landscaping team while I was in college. I still can't believe how much labor, water and herbicide/pesticide it takes [to] appease less than 1% of the county's population."

Manicured lawns require more time, money, and resources to maintain than a pocket prairie or uncut lawn filled with native plants. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, lawns across the U.S. consume nearly three trillion gallons of water, 200 million gallons of gas, and 70 million pounds of pesticides annually. 

Trimmed grass landscapes also rely on dirty energy from gas-powered lawn mowers to stay manicured. Recent data from the EPA reveals that lawn equipment, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and weed eaters, release more than 68,000 tons of smog-forming pollution, which is equivalent to the pollution from 30 million cars, per Grist. 

On the other hand, growing wildflowers and native plants in your yard is a great way to support your local ecosystem while also saving time and money on lawn maintenance. Alternative lawns promote diverse ecosystems by providing foraging spots for birds and nectar for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

FROM OUR PARTNER Can't afford solar panels? Here's how to get them without paying for purchase or installation Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach program gives you all the benefits of solar power without the upfront costs. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it easier than ever to lock in energy savings. Palmetto assumes all risk and responsibility for the panels you lease, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and learn how much you can save. Learn more →

Redditors offered alternative landscaping opportunities for the frustrated worker. 

"There are some landscaping companies that deal with almost exclusively native plantings and rewilding in my area. Maybe you can find employment with one if you can find one where you are?" suggested one Redditor.

"[Fingers crossed] that rewilding lawns really takes off. I know there are native plant nurseries out there. Maybe you could do that (if you want to)," commented another user.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.

TCD Picks » REI Spotlight

💡 REI's Re/Supply program makes it easy for REI Co-op members to shop and trade in high-quality used gear and apparel for massive discounts

Get the best men’s footwear for your next adventure

Starting as low as $19

Upgrade your camping experience with exclusive gear

Starting at $24

Step into ultimate comfort with women’s footwear

Starting at $22

Get endless options for men’s clothing from top brands

Starting at $14

Conquer any route with elite climbing gear

Starting as low as $19

Level up your closet with the latest women’s clothing

Starting as low as $19

Pedal in style with high-performance cycling kits

Starting at $22

Stay warm with this next-level snow gear

Starting at $27

Cool Picks

How the Expedia of solar panels helps homeowners save money and avoid a common trap: 'Giving you confidence in the systems'

Survey makes unexpected find about household solar panels — here's why experts are seeing startling approval ratings

This secondhand clothing company will pay you to 'clean out your closet'

REI makes it easy to find steep discounts on used gear and clothing — and you can make big money selling your old stuff too