Lebanon Seaboard Corp. was among those recognized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection with a 2009 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award. The Lebanon, Pa.-based company, which produces bionutritional and advanced fertilizers as well as a wide variety of consumer lawn and garden items, received the honor in recognition of successful efforts to reduce the amount of phosphorus in lawn and garden fertilizer formulations.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is routinely used as part of fertilization applications on home lawns. However, in some phosphorus-rich soils, its use can be decreased or even eliminated to reduce the possibility of surface water contamination due to runoff.
“The fertilizer industry has a responsibility to promote the conscientious and eco-friendly use of products that can affect the quality of water and our overall environment,” said Katherine Bishop, CEO and president of Lebanon Seaboard, which manufactures and distributes products that help professionals and homeowners care for turf and landscapes. “This initiative provided members of our industry an opportunity to continue to educate homeowners on the responsible and efficient use of fertilizers.”
The Healthy Lawns/Healthy Environment Initiative focused on a statewide grassroots education movement that reached thousands of residents with practical and actionable lawn care stewardship information. The initiative also was credited with increased awareness of the role of phosphorus in fertilizer products.
For more information about the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection awards and other recipients, go to http://www.state.nj.us/dep/eeawards/pastwin.html.