Divot Mix

It is one of the chief merits of golf that non-success at the game induces a certain amount of decent humility, which keeps a man from pluming himself too much on any petty triumphs he may achieve in other walks of life. -- P.G. Wodehouse

Modern Marvels focuses on Yard Tech

According to the History Channel, turfgrass has become the number one crop grown in the U.S. When suburbia exploded after World War II, turf became the defining characteristic of nearly every yard. 

Tonight (April12) at 10 p.m. EDT, Modern Marvels takes viewers to the research greenhouse facility at The Scotts Company to learn how grass seed is bred for special characteristics. Then it pays a visit to the Toro Company, a big name in lawnmowers. The Rain Bird Company and its automatic sprinkler systems is the life giver to thirsty lawns across the country, and The Davey Company specializes in moving trees in excess of one million pounds. Finally, take a trip to California Waterscapes and watch as a crew installs a waterfall and koi pond.

The episode will air again at 2 a.m. EDT Friday, and is expected to be re-aired at a later date.

Earth Day coming up

Earth Day, April 22, is an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. According to the EPA there are a number of simple everyday choices that people can make to help protect the environment.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint - Do you know what your carbon foot print is? EPA's interactive climate change Web page has a personal carbon calculator and information on ways individuals can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Save Energy - EPA's Energy Star Web page is the great place for consumers to find energy efficient products that are good for the environment and their wallets. Search this site to find the latest information on energy efficient electronics, lighting and cooling systems.

Use Water Efficiently-- Visit EPA's WaterSense Web page to learn how efficient products and smart water choices can save money and help protect our nation's water supply.
 
For more from the EPA about Earth Day visit http://www.epa.gov/earthday.

Web site for yard enthusiasts launched by Project EverGreen
 
YEA! is a new and lively online community designed to provide information for and interaction among yard enthusiasts nationwide.
 
Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, described the site as "a gathering place for anyone who wants to learn about and talk about what's happening in yards nationwide." He indicated the new Web site will provide a wealth of opportunities to learn about and share information including:

• Lawn and garden tips
• Forums in which yard enthusiasts can share their favorite methods for beautifying green space
• Blogs about lawn and garden experience/techniques
• Opportunities to share photos
• Contests to win valuable lawn and garden equipment and supplies. As an example of the significant prizes being provided by Project EverGreen supporters, a new LESCO spreader will go to the winner of the first contest.

In addition, Gardner said, visitors who access Yardenthusiasts.com can sign-up for a free newsletter which will be e-mailed every two months. Headquartered in New Prague, Minn., Project EverGreen is a national non-profit organization representing green industry service (end-user) providers, associations, suppliers/distributors, media companies and other organizations. Project EverGreen's mission is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work and play. GCSAA is a member of  Project Evergreen.

 
New program to promote renewable fuels

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole Nason have announced a program that aims to increase the use of alternative fuels and modern Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for cars.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard offers the American people a hat trick – it protects the environment, strengthens our energy security, and supports America’s farmers,” said Johnson.  “Today, we’re taking an important first step toward meeting President Bush’s “20 in 10” goal of jumping off the treadmill of foreign oil dependency.”

"Increasing the use of renewable and alternative fuels to power our nation's vehicles will help meet the President's Twenty in Ten goal of reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent in ten years," Secretary Bodman said.  "The Administration's sustained commitment to technology investment will bring a variety of alternative fuel sources to market and further reduce our nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy."

“While we must look at increasing the availability of renewable and alternative fuels, we must also continue to improve the fuel efficiency of our passenger cars and light trucks,” said Nason.  “As a part of the President’s Twenty in Ten energy security plan, we need Congress to give the Secretary of Transportation the authority to reform the current passenger car fuel economy standard.”

The RFS program requires that the equivalent of at least 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel be blended into motor vehicle fuel sold in the U.S. by 2012. The program is estimated to cut petroleum use by up to 3.9 billion gallons and cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 13.1 million metric tons by 2012 -- the equivalent of preventing the emissions of 2.3 million cars.

The RFS program will promote the use of fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are largely produced from American crops. The program will create new markets for farm products, increase energy security, and promote the development of advanced technologies that will help make renewable fuel cost-competitive with conventional gasoline. In particular, the RFS program establishes special incentives for producing and using fuels produced from cellulosic biomass, such as switchgrass and woodchips.

The Twenty in Ten plan also calls for reforming and modernizing CAFE standards to increase the fuel economy of cars.  This will reduce projected annual gasoline use by up to 8.5 billion gallons. For more, visit http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/.