MD plugs gas-electric mower swap
Tired of your gas-hog lawn mower? If you move fast, you can trade it in next weekend at Camden Yards for a battery-powered electric grass cutter.
In a "special arrangement" with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Clean Air Partners, Marylanders can buy a deeply discounted Neuton lawn mower. You could save up to $324 on a 19-inch bagger-mulcher job that lists for $499.
If you bite, you'll do your small bit to reduce summer smog, as the old mowers get scrapped and recycled. Gas mowers account for 5 percent of all air pollution in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates. And an hour of mowing with one produces as much smog-forming pollution as driving 350 miles.
This green mower may not appeal to all lawn lickers, though. The Neuton CE 6.4 got a so-so review from Consumer Reports. Ease of use and handling were pluses, but bagging and mulching "only fair." CR also found the battery on its tested model only lasted 45 minutes - not suitable for a big yard. There are other cordless electric mowers CR rated more highly, made by the usual major mower manufacturers. But then again, you probably won't be able to find one new at the prices offered under this deal.
To get in on the "great mower exchange," participants need to register online, then bring their old gas mower (and the $$) to Camden Yards Lot C on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The company's only selling 1,000 of its mowers, so it's first come first served.
(Neuton photo)
Comments
So I guess there is no smog or pollution created when the electricity is generated to power these mowers?
Wouldn't we be better served if cleaner burning lawn mower engines were developed as in cars?
TW: Of course, power plants generating electricity emit smog-forming pollution, especially coal-burning ones. There are controls required of them.
EPA also has adopted regulations requiring emissions reductions for new lawn and garden gas-powered equipment. More stringent exhaust limits could reduce smog-forming emisisons by a third.
The rules will take effect in 2011 or 2012, but it'll take years after that to see significant improvements because folks don't trade in their mowers as often as they do cars. EPA's projecting signfiicant health benefits by 2030.
http://www.epa.gov/oms/regs/nonroad/marinesi-equipld/420f08013.pdf
Posted by: Brian Phebus | August 6, 2010 11:33 AM
Better yet, just stop having a lawn. Or at least cut it back to a small area. Have a garden, plant native plants, ground covers, ornamental grasses, whatever. If you have a small lawn get a manual push mower -- yes, you can still buy them and they require less maintenance as well; just an occasional sharpening.
Finally, enjoy peace and quiet without that endless engine racket.
Posted by: patk | August 13, 2010 8:23 AM