Going gas-free when it comes to your lawn
By Laurie Posted on January 11th, 2009 in Living Green
Ah, yes, the sweet summer solace. Slathered with sunblock, you head out to your backyard retreat, a hammock swinging lazily in the breeze beckoning for you to draw near. A glass of ice cold water and a good read in tow, barefoot, you pad your way across the lawn and sigh in contentment as you find the perfect position.
Seconds later, the simple birdsongs are overdrawn with the worst sound of summer.
The lawn mower.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered lawn mowers are responsible for 5% of air pollution, and various studies have compared lawn mower emissions to those of automobiles – the Union of Concerned Scientists contrasted one gas mower running for an hour with an equivalent in pollution as eight cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time.
The air pollution, which includes high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, as well as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, pollutants that contribute to the formation of ozone don’t outweigh the noise pollution, but that, in itself, is a noxious noise. Regardless of its contribution to heat-wave smog and mucky malodor, the lawn mower still has a following of lawn-frenzied folks.
Getting rid of the gas is step forward, replacing it with a (gasp!) people-powered 
machine, which primarily moves with the strength of your own will. Some have an added electric push, for those who might need help maneuvering through the greens.
Prices range from about $100 to $300, without the additional costs of fuel and, most often, maintenance, other than occasional (up to eight years) blade sharpening. They also are far lighter and take up a smidgen of space and are adjustable in height.
People Powered Machines offers a great comparison between most popular brands, both with all manual choices, as well as all electric + manual options.
The Environmental Protection Agency tells us that the average of 800 million gallons of gas each year is used trimming grassy yards, and about 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment.
Between environmental concerns and the added perk savings, using a manual mower is a far better option – both lowering the damage to the environment, and as a result, your health.
Image courtesy of images.neutralexistence.com/Scott-mower.jpg
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