Archive for the ‘dispatches’ Category
Push Mowers: For a Better Tomorrow
Gas-powered weed trimmers cause several times more pollution than vehicles; the engines in yard tools are not very fuel-efficient. Gas-powered combustion is a source of smog-causing pollutants and greenhouse gases. In fact, according to the Ministry of the Environment, running an old gas-powered lawn mower for one hour can produce as much air pollution as driving a new car 550 kilometers (25, April, 2006).
Gas mowers which have unregulated emissions until very recently, emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides. Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveal that a traditional gas powered lawn mower produces as much air pollutants as 43 new cars, each being driven 12,000 miles. As well, it is estimated that using a push mower instead of a gas power unit helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 37 kg, annually. (2 May, 2011)
The importance of this report goes beyond education; moreover, it serves as a factual overview that has the potential to influence legislation and promote bans to protect the Earth, air quality, and the health of present and future generations. It further summarizes the data of the gas vs. the push mower on related health and environmental implications.
