Great article!
Of course there is a better way!
In truth up until very recently lawns did not exist because there was no beneficial reason for them. The ONLY reason laws even exist is as a display of "wealth" and as a result of humans being disconnected from natural environments.
I have been living very sustainable for 15 years and founded a community with the lowest carbon footprint in the country. I have helped many people convert their lawns to gardens or wildcrafted sustainable environments!