Happy Earth Day April 22nd 2025!

...saw these beautiful plants popping up in my yard the last few days and I love it!

Now I know growing dandelions isn't for everyone but going non-toxic and organic is such a great way to nurture your yard while protecting your health, local wildlife, soil health and our mother earth.

Exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, weed killers, and Roundup has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including respiratory problems, cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. Specifically, glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other cancers. Long-term exposure to pesticides can also lead to asthma, COPD, and other respiratory diseases.

If you live in either Cleveland, Chicago, Akron, Columbus, Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Pittsburgh check out https://www.whygoodnature.com/ to help with lawn care. There are so many companies out there that are non toxic and environmentally safe so find one in your area.

If you are looking to take care of some things in the yard yourself here are some ideas I often share with my clients.

Natural Pest Control

• Beneficial Insects — Ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises eat pests like aphids and mites. If you don't use chemicals they will come.
• Neem Oil — An organic pesticide/fungicide derived from neem tree seeds that disrupts pests without harming pollinators.
• Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) — A natural, non-toxic powder that kills soft-bodied insects like slugs and ants. I also use this on my dog to protect from ticks.

Weed Management

• Vinegar Spray — A mix of vinegar, salt, and a few drops of dish soap makes a strong natural herbicide (apply carefully!).
• Boiling Water — Pour directly on weeds in cracks or pathways.
• Manual Removal — Classic hand-pulling or using a hoe, especially after rain when roots loosen. You won't need to go to the gym!

Natural Fertilizers

• Compost Tea — Steep compost in water and apply as a liquid fertilizer.
• Fish Emulsion — High in nitrogen, great for leafy greens.
• Seaweed Extract — Packed with micronutrients and plant growth hormones.
• You can also find these items online easily.

Yard Care & Lawn Alternatives

• Clover Lawns — Clover is drought-tolerant, enriches soil with nitrogen, and stays green.
• Native Plants — They require less water, no fertilizers, and attract local pollinators.
• Mow High, Water Deep — Taller grass shades out weeds and promotes deep roots; water deeply but infrequently for resilience.

Extra Eco-Friendly Tips

• Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Use rain barrels for watering.
• Plant pollinator-friendly species like lavender, bee balm, and echinacea.
• Rotate crops in vegetable beds to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.

There are many things in our environment that we can't control but this is one place we have some agency.

Share this with someone you love and spread the word about healthy non-toxic living.

If you are ready to dig into some health changes of your own...schedule a complimentary discovery call by clicking here.

Thanks for being here!

In best health,

Karen