Florida-Friendly Lawn Mowing

Article By:Joan Bradshaw
Director of the University of Florida /IFAS Citrus County Extension

04/15/09

Each weekend, more than 54 million Americans mow their lawns using 800 million gallons of gas per year and producing tons of air pollutants. Unlike cars and trucks, conventional lawn mowers are not equipped with smog reducing attachments. 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 driven 12,000 miles. Garden equipment engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.

The good news is EPA is now phasing in new emissions standards for gas mower engines that will result in 32 percent smog reduction. In addition to new pollution reducing gas mowers arriving on the market, eco-conscious consumers should consider alternative powered mowers:

Electric Mowers:

A number of electric models are available and many models cost less than $200. The trade-off for this type of mower is that they only work well for small lawns and must be tethered to a power outlet during use. Keep in mind going electric is not necessarily a way to reduce pollution overall. According to Consumer Reports, "Achieving a net environmental savings from switching to electric mowers depends on the efficiency of the power plant" from where the electricity originates.

Solar-Powered Mowers:

Another green option is a solar powered mulching mower which is in essence a cordless electric mower modified with a small solar collector to turn sunlight into power. The battery on this mower can also be charged by simply plugging it into an electric outlet. If money is not an issue, the $2,500 solar-powered "auto mower" can't be beat for both eco-friendliness and convenience. It wanders unattended around any level lawn, its collision sensors carefully avoiding contact with anything but the grass itself.

Reel- Mowers:

The most eco-friendly lawn mower of all is the push mower. Reel mowers are the ultimate in environmentally friendly, quiet and maintenance free mowing. You push, they mow! Although people unfamiliar with reel mowers will try and tell you otherwise, modern reel mowers are not difficult to use and don't require much more effort than power mowers. A reel mower takes a bit longer to use than a power mower, although it is a much more pleasant experience. If it takes 45 minutes to mow with a traditional gas mower, it is likely to take 60 to 70 minutes with a reel mower. It's possible to use them on large lawns but the time commitment isn't realistic for most people.

This spring consider switching to "Florida-friendly" lawn mowing equipment that's kind to our environment. For more information contact County Extension at 352-527-5700.

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS's knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County – Providing Solutions for Your Life.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).

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