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Switch to an electric lawnmower

Why This is Green

You probably suspect your gas mower isn’t very eco-friendly and the EPA agrees. The EPA says lawn equipment emits hazardous air pollutants, particle pollution (dust), and VOCs. These pollutants can contribute to health problems that may affect mowers, their families, and the community. Some say gas mowers represent five percent of U.S. air pollution. The spills that happen when you refill the tank are said to add up to 17 million gallons per year (that’s more than the Exxon Valdez!).

While the greenest choice is a push mower (or a sheep!), electric mowers are both quieter than and don’t produce the fumes gas versions do. The eco-issue with cordless mowers is that they use lead-acid batteries. Still, there are CO2 savings using batteries instead of gas. For plug in mowers, the eco benefit will be greater if your energy source is renewable.

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How To

Recycle and replace old mowers ASAP; there were no controls on emissions of any two-stage engines prior to 1995.

Push mowers are easiest to use weekly on shorter grass in small areas. With electric, mow less; it’s fine to skip a week.

If using an electric mower without batteries, you’ll need accessible outlets and extension cords. Manage the cord as you go or you’ll cut it.