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Gasoline-powered lawn/garden equipment is responsible for between 5%-10% of the total air pollution in urban areas and petrol-powered lawnmowers are responsible for the majority of these emissions.

These emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and can adversely affect your health. Not surprisingly, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, the major greenhouse gas, are spewed out in enormous quantities from gas-powered mowers too.

A substantial amount of gasoline and oil is spilled each year when filling the mower's small gas/oil receptacles. This spillage results in non-point source pollution that contaminates our creeks and lakes. Furthermore, bagged grass clippings account for a significant amount of our total solid waste during the growing season, which ends up in our over-utilized landfills.

Traditional gas-powered lawn mowers are responsible for 5 percent of the nation's air pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which recently created emission regulations for small engines like those that lawn mowers use. One gas mower running for an hour emits the same amount of pollutants as eight new cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Use a Reel (cylinder) Push Lawnmower

This needs no power supply, and is also much quieter for you and your neighbors. If you can't do all of your tasks by hand, there are rechargeable electric mowers.

Mow Solar Powered

The More Power, Less Pollution RevolutionSolaris is THE no compromise mower solution... Cordless and self-propelled, this revolutionary mower has all the
power of a high-end gas mower for a perfect cut, even in long grass. But it uses no gas or oil and creates zero emissions with minimal noise pollution. Your neighbors and the environment will thank you.

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Outperforming its gasoline-powered competitors, the Solaris features a longer lifespan, quieter operation, an easier start (push button), an easier push (self propelled), no emissions, and more economical to run.

If purchased with the solar panel option, it will produce no greenhouse gases. The solar panel will recharge the batteries in approximately 3 sunny days or 4-5 cloudy days. The lawn mower is self propelled, easy to use, and will typically cut 7,000 to 10,000 sq. ft of grass per charge depending on conditions.

http://www.solarispowerproducts.com/index.htm

Before turning on any electrical, oil or gas-powered machine, think: "Is there another way to do this task?"

Be Creative and 'Go Green'

Reduce Lawn Size 

Lawn size can be reduced by adding shrubs, beds, edible herb lawns, ground covers and mulched areas. Try creating a lawn area small enough to be mowed using an efficient reel (push) mower. Visit a local re-sale store and purchase a push mower which will also provide children with a lesson in conserving gasoline, reducing pollution and provide for some physical exercise while creating a beautiful lawn.
Lawn edging can be set low enough to mow over, reducing or eliminating the need for a weed-eater.