Last week, New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the launch of the state’s annual “Look for the Zero” public awareness campaign that encourages homeowners to go phosphorus-free when using lawn fertilizer.
DEC is encouraging consumers to review bag labels for phosphorus content when shopping for fertilizer. Fertilizer labels have three numbers, such as 22-0-15. The number in the middle is the percentage of phosphorus in the product. More than 100 waterbodies in New York State cannot be used or enjoyed due to phosphorus overuse.
“With spring upon us and property owners turning to work on their lawns as a break from COVID-19, DEC encourages New Yorkers to ‘Look for the Zero’ and buy phosphorus-free fertilizer this spring. Excess phosphorus is a threat to many New York waterbodies, rendering these waters unswimmable and unfishable. By implementing sustainable lawn care, New Yorkers are helping to eliminate phosphorus and reduce pesticide use on lawns, protecting water quality and public health,” said Seggos.
To learn more about the effort, visit this DEC press release.
