On World Water Day in March 2011, ScottsMiracle-Gro announced that its lawn fertilizer products would be phosphorus-free by the end of 2012, a move applauded by environmental groups across the country as a partial solution to nutrient runoff that affects water quality in waterways. The announcement marked the expansion of a commitment made in 2006 to stakeholders in the Chesapeake Bay area that that phosphorus content in fertilizers would be reduced by fifty percent.

“ScottsMiracle-Gro is committed to providing consumers the tools they need to create the lawns and gardens they want while also being stewards of the environment that surrounds them,” said CEO Jim Hagedorn. “Making sure consumers know how they can get great results from our products while also protecting and preserving clean water for future generations is critical.”

In addition to its commitment to phosphorus-free products, ScottsMiracle-Gro also announced a multi-year commitment to new consumer communication education and grassroots outreach regarding water quality and conservation which includes incorporating water quality and conservation messaging into ScottsMiracle-Gro’s consumer advertising, dedicated websites and other outreach tools for consumers, as well as funding for educational outreach efforts with environmental partners and local organizations.

Following the announcement, representatives from Keep America Beautiful, The Alliance for the Great Lakes, The National Wildlife Federation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation voiced their support of ScottsMiracle-Gro’s commitment to water quality. Additionally, because educating consumers about water quality issues is critical, the company also announced that is will be funding local outreach efforts through environmental partners and local organizations.

ScottsMiracle-Gro has seen the success of consumer education efforts regarding sustainable lawn care practices, and protecting water is a cornerstone of ScottsMiracle-Gro’s environmental efforts.

Consumers can find phosphorus-free ScottsMiracle-Gro’s Turfbuilder brand fertilizers at retailers nationwide.