Green Living Works!

With gas prices soaring and going beyond $4, it’s time to explore other cheaper and greener alternatives to using gas when it comes to lawn care. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average household spends about 40 hours a season mowing its lawn, which if it used a gas mower results in as much pollution as 40 cars driving 12,000 miles! Multiply that number by huge number of households that mow their lawns with gas-powered mowers, and the damage to our planet is without measure. The good news is that your household can help save the planet, as well as some money, by switching to a greener mower, i.e., one that does not use gas.

• Push Reel Mowers. These basic mowers rely on your body power to cut the grass. The results will depend on the length of the existing grass. You’ll have to work harder if the grass is longer, so that may mean more frequent mowing to avoid struggles, but you’ll get the added perk of frequent exercise. Try the Scotts Push Reel Lawn Mower. Scotts 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower #2000-20

• Battery Powered Mowers. These are electric mowers that won’t involve an electric cord. Their rechargeable batteries will need to be charged up before being used. Battery life will depend on the size of the yard and length of the grass. If you really want to go the “green” distance, you may want to use solar energy to charge your mower’s battery. Try the Black & Decker Lawn Hog Electric Mulching Mower. Black & Decker Lawn Hog 12 Amp 19-Inch Electric Mulching Mower with Rear Bag #MM875
• Automatic Mowers. If you have the money, hate mowing the lawn, and are impressed with robots, such as the Roomba, you might want to invest in an automatic mower, such as the Friendly Robotics RoboMower. It is designed to mow a lawn all by itself, and can handle a 10,800 sq. ft. yard on one 24 hour battery charge. Its onboard sensor allows it to avoid obstacles.Friendly Robotics RoboMower 21-Inch Automatic Cordless Electric Lawn Mower #RL850