According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each weekend approximately 54 million Americans mow their lawns. Lawn mowers use 800 million gallons of gas per year and produce tons of air pollutants. Gasoline-powered lawnmowers produce hydrocarbons (a major component of smog), particulate matter (which damages respiratory systems), carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) and carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming).Lawn mower engines, which have had unregulated emissions until very recently produce up to 5% of the nation’s air pollution and a good deal more in metropolitan areas. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a traditional gas powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars each being driven 12,000 miles. Gas powered lawn mowers are one of the worst offenders of fossil fuel emissions. The EPA also estimates that 17 million gallons of fuel, mostly gasoline, are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment. That’s more than all the oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez, in the Gulf of Alaska. In addition to groundwater contamination, spilled fuel that evaporates into the air and volatile organic compounds spit out by small engines make smog-forming ozone when cooked by heat and sunlight.
A recent Swedish study declared that cutting your lawn for an hour with a gas powered mower is as damaging to the environment as a 100 mile car trip, so in light of that, you might be looking for alternatives to a gas powered lawn mower. One alternative is an electric push mower. If you decide to buy an electric lawn mower, you’ll have to choose between a corded or a cordless model. A corded mower will generally be less expensive, and they’re great for small yards. You might think dragging the cord around would be awkward, but it’s no harder than using a vacuum cleaner indoors. Cordless mowers are very convenient. Most new models come with an on-board battery charger and indicator lights – all you have to do is plug it in. The charger will automatically shut down when the battery is fully charged. One thing to keep in mind with a cordless mower is the size of your yard. Most manufacturers will have charts that tell you how long the batteries last and how much grass you can mow in that time. Some brands offer two levels of battery power – a 24-volt battery for small to medium-size lawns, or a 36-volt model for larger lawns. Recharging time is another factor to consider when choosing or using a cordless electric mower. The battery may take at least 16-20 hours to fully recharge – the more powerful the motor, the longer the recharging time. And keep in mind that a larger battery will be heavier – but it will still be lighter weight than a gasoline mower with a full tank. They also have electric battery powered riding lawn mowers which operate on rechargeable batteries. The Ariens AMPTM Rider electric mower has no gas engine emissions and is 50% quieter than gas engine mowers. The electric mower charger fully charges the batteries in 16 hours and then hibernates when no charge is required. For the off-season, simply leave the electric mower plugged into the charger. The charger ensures the batteries remain fully charged, extending the life of the batteries. The battery lasts up to 75 minutes. Electric mowers are very economical and use about $5.00 of electricity a year.
Lynne
Hi Lynne, good post. I hadn’t thought about my mower and how much yucky stuff it produces. I have an electric one too it’s just the petrol mower is quicker because it’s bigger. I must seriously look into this. Thanks for th good info.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy