Air-friendly mowers cut
grass and air pollution

Why worry about gas yard equipment? According to EPA, today’s small engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. They also emit hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, pollutants that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a noxious pollutant. Ground-level ozone impairs lung function, inhibits plant growth, and is a key ingredient of smog.

Most people don’t associate air pollution with mowing the lawn or doing other yard work. Yet emissions from lawn mowers, chain saws, pressure washers, leaf blowers and similar outdoor power equipment are a significant source of pollution.

Today’s gas-powered lawn mower emits as much pollution in one hour as driving a newer car 140 miles. An older mower may belch four times as much pollution. But there are air-friendly alternatives.

Get reel: This usually means you have a smaller lawn, unless you are really ready for a physical workout.  Tools that don’t require electric or gasoline engines are especially handy for small yards or small jobs. Hand tools are available to meet a wide variety of lawn and garden needs, like lightweight, quiet, easy-to-use reel push mowers that generate no emissions.

Go electric: Electrically-powered, including cordless, lawn and garden tools produce essentially no pollution from exhaust emissions or through fuel evaporation. And they are easy to start!  In addition, the electric mulching mowers make it easy to “grasscycle” because they chop grass clippings into tiny bits that break down quickly and provide nutrients and moisture.

Keep it tuned: If you’re sticking with gas, keep it well maintained. Change the oil and replace air filters regularly. Get periodic tune-ups, maintain sharp mower blades, and keep the underside of the deck clean. Take time to winterize equipment each fall.

Refuel carefully Spilling a shot-glass (1 oz) of gasoline creates the same amount of smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as driving a car 25 miles.

Avoid spilling gasoline: Preventing spills and overfills is an easy and effective way for power equipment owners to prevent pollution. Even small gasoline spills evaporate and pollute the air.

Reduce your lawn: Less mowing time means less fumes emitted from your mower. And if your lawn is small, maybe a reel mower can be just right for you!

Recycle old equipment:  When you replace your gas mower, dispose of it properly.  Resist the temptation to give away or sell your old gas mower or other gas-powered garden tools at your next garage sale and recycle them instead. Many local waste disposal sites will take mowers as a recyclable if the fluids have been drained (and properly disposed of at your local household hazardous waste facility). Look for electric and reel mower discounts in the spring during Northwest Natural Yard Days

Source:  EPA Fact Sheet Your Yard and Clean Air, EPA 420-F-94-002.