The good news: New Jersey just passed sweeping legislation to restrict the use of lawn fertilizer, which is laden with chemicals that pollute waterways and are a major factor in nitrous oxide emissions.

The bad news: There is no indication that the rest of the country will follow suit. While there are other regulations in place in other parts of the U.S., the Garden State's is the most progressive yet in cracking down on a product wreaking havoc on rivers, streams and the atmosphere.

The foresight of the local community will help protect them against environmental degradation. The rest of the nation deserves the same.

Photo credit: Bucklava on Flickr