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Exhaust Emissions from
Four-Stroke Lawn Mower Engines. Gabele, P. 1997. Journal of the Air and Waste
Management Association. 47:945-952. (Journal article)
Small engines are responsible for
emitting 5% of total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and carbon
monoxide pollution. Standard four-stroke lawnmower engines are
especially big polluters. After testing emissions from 10 popular
lawnmower engines, Gabele found that only one met Phase 1 high-level
federal emission standards. Unlike car engines, lawnmowers do not have
catalytic converters, so they produce highly reactive organic compounds
that contribute to ground level ozone. The author also found that older
engines emit much greater levels of organic compounds and carbon
monoxide. Surprisingly, nitrogen oxide emissions decreased in older
engines. This is important information for folks who mow lawns with
power machines.
Cordless Electric Lawn
Mowers. Hollis, S. 2005. Mother Earth News. 209:67-70.
(Magazine article)
This issue of Mother Earth News
reports on homeowner-grade, electric mowers that have been
field-tested. The author extols the virtues of cordless electric mowers
which are quiet, exhaust-free, and do not require oil or gasoline. For
many of us the electric mower is the perfect choice for someone not
willing to use a push mower. Noise levels from gas mowers can be so
high they violate OSHA standards, and pose a danger to your hearing.
According to one California report, mowers, particularly their portable
gas containers, account for 87 tons of smog-forming VOCs per day and
contribute immensely to air and ozone pollution. The same report
concludes that one hour of lawn mower usage produces as much air
pollution as driving a car 20 miles (EPA 2003).
The lawn mowers reviewed are the
Brill Accumower ASM380, the Neutron Mower, and Black & Decker’s
CMM1000. Brill makes the cheapest and the lightest of the electric
mowers at a cost of $295. The Neutron is a middle of the road option
for a price of $350. The Black & Decker is the workhorse of the lot,
costing $420, while also matching the power of a gas mower. The article
concludes with a list of websites where you can get more information
about electric mowers. The article, however, does not mention checking
Craigslist (www.craigslist.org)
in Portland or visiting estate and yard sales for used lawn mowers or
push mowers, the more sustainable options. | |
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