My hometown's newspaper just published an opinion piece about the disastrous effects, ecologically and financially, that lawn care causes. Not totally surprising but it's important to note that this is a retirement community in the bible belt!
Y'all, it's working! Keep spreading the word!
To add on to your notes about maintenance: I have large gravel, mulch, and grass in my backyard. The gravel requires much more weeding time than the mulch. The mesh does nothing.