Why have our lawns turned into latest culture war fight? | The Ethical Life podcast

Episode 90: If you aren’t sure that nearly everything has become political, let’s talk for a moment about our yards. It used to be that some homeowners paid great attention to having a perfectly manicured lawn, while others took a much more casual approach.

But — pardon the pun — a growing trend across many cities is No Mow May, an initiative that encourages people to leave their lawns untouched so pollinators and other small critters can flourish. And those homeowners who have perfectly green and weed-free lawns now get the side-eye from many people who are worried about the environmental impact of perfectly manicured grass.

Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss whether this new trend is helpful or simply another thing to pull people apart.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast:

Lawn wars consume America’s neighborhoods, by Jennifer A. Kingson, Axios

Gas-powered lawn care meets sharp blade of state, local laws, Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Times

What is the anti-lawn movement? Expert opinions and how you can join in with the change, Chiana Dickson, Home & Gardens

About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.

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