Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has found an innarvative way to help consumers protect the environment by using packaging. Its flexible-film bags of Scotts' lawn fertilizer educate consumers on how to properly apply the product by following the label directions.

Based on input from environmental groups and the company's consumer research, Scotts Miracle-Gro has added best- practice application instructions on more than 35 million bags of its Turf Builder@ brand of fertilizer products. The company features the messages on the top of the back panel of its fertilizer bags.

The message "Scotts & Your Environment" appears in green letters to the left of a tree in full bloom, against a sky-blue background that is typical of the refreshed packaging graphics that support the environmental message. Additional text says, "We care" and "You can make a difference," with instructions on how to apply the fertilizer in an environmentally healthy way. The messages and instructions appear in both English and Spanish.

"It is our responsibility to help educate consumers on stewardship issues," says Rich Martinez, Scotts Miracle-Gro Chief Environmental Officer.

Company research indicates that 73% of surveyed homeowners believe their behavior could make a difference in maintaining a healthy environment. But only 25% of respondents say they take action to assure a safer environment when using lawn products.