Your Yard and Clean Air

Small Engine Garden Tools are Big Polluters - Most people do not associate air pollution with mowing the lawn. Yet emissions from lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, leaf vacuums, and similar outdoor power equipment are a significant source of pollution.

Today's small engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. They also emit hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, pollutants that contribute to the formation of ozone. Emission controls for small gasoline engines has not been a crucial design consideration until now. Small engines are big polluters and power equipment users inadvertently contribute to the problem by carelessly handling fuel and improperly maintaining their equipment.

Pollution Prevention in Your Own Backyard- EPA anticipates that new regulations now being developed will bring cleaner lawn and garden equipment to market within a few years. Meanwhile, consumers can make a difference by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future:

Consider cleaner manual and battery powered options.
Propane and solar options are also available for some types of equipment. Electric and battery powered equipment is cleaner than equipment powered by gasoline engines. Electrically-powered lawn and garden tools produce essentially no pollution from exhaust emissions or through fuel evaporation.

Use manual hand powered tools
Tools that don't require electric or gasoline engines are especially handy for small yards or small jobs. Hand tools are available to meet a wide variety of lawn and garden needs, like lightweight, quiet, easy-to-use reel push mowers that generate no emissions.

Reduce mowing pollution

Use low-maintenance turf grasses or grass/flower seed mixtures that grow slowly and require less mowing. Check with your local agricultural extension service or lawn and garden center about what is appropriate for your region. Decrease lawn mower noise and air pollution with a battery power mower or choose from a large selection of robotic battery powered mowers. Plant additional trees and shrubs to reduce the energy costs of heating and cooling your house and to provide landscaping for wildlife. Native wildflowers and plants require little to no maintenance after planting.

Recycle old equipment

Instead of selling or giving away your old lawn and garden power tools, take them to a recycling center where they can be converted into raw material for use in cleaner equipment and other products.

By combining these strategies, you can reduce your personal contribution to pollution. In addition, your yard equipment will last longer and you will save money.

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Will That Be Gasoline, Battery, Hand or Electrically Powered Tools

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (WCS), electric mowers can be 50 percent cheaper to maintain over a 10-year period than their gas-powered counterparts.

In addition to maintenance costs, some environmentalists cite earth-friendly reasons for eliminating gasoline from home lawn care. Statistics on their web site show the average running gas mower emits as much pollution in 60 minutes as eight new cars traveling 55 mph for the same amount of time.

Electric mowers run cleaner than gas versions, because it's easier to control pollution from a single power plant than from thousands of gasoline-powered yard tools. Push reel, or motorless mowers emit no smog-producing pollution at all.

As a general rule, non-gas models produce less noise and require little or no maintenance whereas "Gas-powered mowers have to be maintained every season." You have to run the gas dry before winter sets in, change the oil, get a new spark plug, change the air filter and sharpen the blade.

For electric lawn mowers, maintenance is nil, outside of sharpening the blade every season. And there's no spark plug and no oil. Another nice thing about electric mowers is that they're not loud. You can cut the grass at midnight and not bother your neighbor.

Electric lawn trimmers never prompt a trip to the gas station, but most require a lengthy extension cord. Homeowners who find the cord cumbersome can opt for a cordless battery-operated mower.

Battery versions can run for up to 90 minutes, and then need to be recharged for 24 hours. You can usually cut one-third of an acre per charge. Modern reel lawn mowers need a lot more muscle to operate, but the only maintenance is sharpening the blade.

If you want a workout when mowing the grass, the push mower is the way to go. Most electric and battery-operated mowers have mulching options, but reel mowers do not. When it comes to purchasing costs, non-gas mowers are comparable to their gas-powered cousins. The perfect application for a non-gas mower is a suburban homeowner whose lawn is a half-acre or less.

The lawn and garden tools industry is moving more in that direction because people are more economy-efficient and more green, or because of rising gas prices, or a combination of the three.

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Regulations To Consider Before Purchasing Gasoline Powered Garden Tools

Regulations now being developed by the EPA in the US and EC in Canada will bring cleaner lawn and garden equipment to market within a few years.

The Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations establish emission standards for small spark-ignition engines rated up to 19 kW (25 hp) typically found in gasoline-fuelled lawn and garden machines, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, etc. and in light-duty machines such as chainsaws, log splitters, shredders, etc.

EPA has finalized a new emission control program to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from small spark-ignition engines by about 35 percent. The new exhaust emissions standards will take effect in 2011 or 2012, depending on the size of the engine. The final rule also includes new standards to reduce evaporative emissions from these fuel systems. These standards will reduce the harmful health effects of ozone and carbon monoxide from these engines.

It is estimated that by 2030, the new standards will result in significant annual reductions of pollutant emissions from regulated engine and equipment sources nationwide, including approximately 600,000 tons of volatile organic hydrocarbon emissions, 130,000 tons of NOx emissions, and 5,500 tons of direct particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions.

These reductions correspond to significant reductions in the formation of ground-level ozone and ambient PM2.5. It is also expected that there will result annual reductions of 1.5 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions, with the greatest reductions in situations where there have been problems with individual exposures.

This rule will result in substantial benefits to public health and welfare and the environment. It is further estimated that by 2030, on an annual basis, these emission reductions will prevent 230 PM-related premature deaths, between 77 and 350 ozone-related premature deaths, approximately 1,700 hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 23,000 work days lost, 180,000 lost school days, 590,000 acute respiratory symptoms, and other quantifiable benefits every year.

The total estimated annual benefits of this rule in 2030 are approximately between $1.6 and $4.4 billion. Estimated costs in 2030 are many times less, at approximately $190 million.

For more information, simply search the Small Spark Engine Regulations online for consumer information, regulations, guidance, and compliance and certification data for ten categories of nonroad spark-ignition engines, ranging from lawn and garden equipment through airport service equipment. Meanwhile, consumers can make a difference by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future.

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Proposal to Ban Gasoline Leaf Blowers

City councils across North America are considering licensing and standards to ban gasoline leaf blowers during the spring and summer months. Councilors support a ban because the machines, particularly those powered by gasoline, create too much noise and pollution.

Some cities already restrict the use of the blowers, prohibiting people from using them from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. ET the next morning. Those considering a ban are aware that "not all homeowners care for postage-sized lawns."

Since city councils have heard from equipment makers and lawn-care companies which said the electrical and battery powered leaf blowers now are much quieter and cleaner today.

Most leaf blowers use two stroke gasoline powered engines, among the worst kind out there. They may be small but the amount of garbage they spew into the air is a lot more than their size would suggest.

What's in all those fumes? Try hydrocarbons (a key component of smog), carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter and other toxic air contaminants. In fact, according to the study, leaf blowers are seen to be more polluting than a new car.

According to their figures, one hour of operating a commercial leaf blower emits an incredible 498 times as much hydrocarbons, 49 times as much particulate matter and 26 times as much carbon monoxide as your average automobile. And it's not just what comes out of the engine that's a problem.

Wind blows around a lot of the dust raised by the machines, which can also carry residue from fecal material, pollen, fungal spores and any pesticides that people are no longer supposed to use in the city but often still do.

And many of us breathe all that in without even being aware it's there. The experts contend that's a lot worse than all that noise that also comes with the wind generators. And that's why they want them banned for good.

How will you get rid of all those leaves? The suggestion is to use the old fashioned method - a rake and a little elbow grease. Enhancements to battery technology now provide alternatives to gasoline leaf blowers.

Powerful 24 Volt rechargeable battery leaf blowers like the MPL TGB-LB-2 here at Green Garden Tools are now capable of delivering the performance of gasoline leaf blowers at much lower noise levels with a blower speed of 150mph.

A 120 Volt converter is included to provide an optional power source from an electrical outlet. An added benefit is that battery and electrical engines tend to have a higher RPM than a typical gasoline engine delivering better performance and longer operating life.

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High Pollution Levels May Make People More Susceptible To Stroke

Studies have shown associations between air pollution and daily death rates for respiratory and heart disease. "This study provides new evidence that higher levels of ambient pollutants increase the risk of hospital admissions for stroke, especially on warm days,"

Many experts suspect that air pollution may affect blood volume and resistance of the blood vessels and heart structures, known collectively as the hemodynamic system. High temperatures may also affect blood viscosity. "In hot weather, it is recommended that people avoid pollution, stay inside and use an air conditioner if needed. As stroke is associated with air pollution, lowering the level of exposure could considerably reduce the associated health burden.

From lawn mowers and weed trimmers, to personal watercraft and speedboats, gas-powered engines will soon contribute to healthier and cleaner air for Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict new standards for gas-powered lawn equipment and marine engines, enhancing public health by substantially reducing the amount of gas fumes, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smog-forming pollutants emitted from a wide range of engines. The regulations will take effect in 2010 and 2011.

"EPA's new small engine standards will allow Americans to cut air pollution as well as grass," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These standards help fight smog in our neighborhoods and waterways as we continue to improve the environmental landscape."

When fully implemented, the rule will yield annual emission reductions of 600,000 tons of hydrocarbons, 130,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 5,500 tons of direct particulate matter, and 1.5 million tons of carbon monoxide (CO). EPA expects the new standards to save approximately 190 million gallons of gasoline each year. The rule kicks into gear in 2011 for lawn and garden equipment of 25 horsepower or less. For a full range of gas-powered personal watercraft and inboard and outboard engines, the rule powers up in 2010.

Each year, Americans spend more than 3 billion hours using lawn and garden equipment and more than 500 million hours in recreational boating. As a result, the total estimated public health benefits range between $1.6 and $4.4 billion by 2030. These benefits outweigh estimated costs by at least eight to one, while preventing over 300 premature deaths, 1,700 hospitalizations, and 23,000 lost workdays annually.

To meet the new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers will likely employ catalytic converters for the first time in small lawn and garden equipment. Improvements to battery technology makes the cordless battery lawn and garden tools as feasible alternatives to gasoline powered tools.

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Gardening Without Chemicals

Gardeners making their way to the garden centers will notice the growing and endless array of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides, all commonly referred to as pesticides. Already more than 80 communities have passed bylaws restricting or prohibiting use of pesticides for cosmetic reasons within their boundaries.

Research seems to support that as goes the health of our earth, so goes the health of our children. The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) released a comprehensive review of research on the effects of pesticides on human health which the review showed many studies had found associations between pesticide exposure and solid tumors including prostate, brain, kidney and pancreatic cancer among others such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Also according to the review, "the implication of pesticides in the development of leukemia warrants further investigation. Since many urbanites use pesticides in their personal lawn and garden spaces at concentration levels between five and 10 times used in agriculture, the implications are dire. These applications can add up to a significant impact since urban homeowners use more pesticides per acre than farmers do, according to Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S.

So how do we actually "just say no" to pesticides? First, getting your lawn off grass is the single most important change you can make to manage weeds in our dry climate and not incidentally, significant reduce water use and get off the addictive cycle of chemical dependence. Plant perennials, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, native species and spread mulch along the borders take the place of rambling lawns and gardens.

Weeds thrive in unhealthy soil, so make sure yours is healthy by fertilizing naturally with manure and compost. Over-seed the lawn with a recommended grass mixture. This creates a more dense, drought - and disease-resistant lawn that crowds out weeds. Keep your lawn a bit longer to discourage weeds and reduce watering needs. Mow high, seven centimeters or three inches, and leave your grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.

A typical garden hoe removes shallow-rooted annual weeds, but cuts off deep-rooted perennials which will continue to grow and are best removed using a specialized weeding tool or chemicals if you are so inclined.

Hoeing improves drainage, aeration, and nutrient dispersal and helps condition your soil.

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Gardening Is Good for the Environment

Protecting the environment should be one of the most important things we do in our lives. For those of us who garden we have a chance to make a big impact on the environment; in a positive or negative way. The methods and procedures we use directly impact ourselves, our neighbors and the planet. The idea is to, at least, leave as small a footprint as we can and, at best, give back to the planet.

Use non-toxic fertilizers with no harmful chemicals such as organic manure - this may sound horrible, but it's so much better than harmful chemicals. I believe you can also get organic pesticides, but you can trap slugs using pools of beer, kill aphids with ladybirds and so on.

The best way to insure we give back and protect the environment is to compost. Recycling garden waste is a wonderful method to grow more soil. Instead of creating more fill for dumps, composting is a very useful method for protecting the planet.

With the use of compost in our garden we cut down on many products that are man-made and take away from precious resources this old globe. Compost allows us to use much less, if any, non-organic fertilizers. It makes our plants healthier which reduces the need for chemicals to control weeds, insects, and disease.

Growing your own flowers, vegetables, and herbs, in the most environmentally sound way, cuts down the need for bad practices to provide us with those products which are fresher, healthier for us and impact the environment in the least negative way. The whole idea of any yard or garden is to make it useful in the most useful way and in such a way that the environment is impacted the least or even made better.

Plant a tree or two - this will help use up quite a large amount of CO2 and replace it with oxygen, which I'm sure you'll agree is more useful. They also look attractive, and if you buy a fruit tree, then you can get fruit too!

Obviously this depends on the size of your garden and where you live...but anything leafy will do. Don't have a garden? Buy a houseplant. Don't have a house? Plant a flower in someone's garden. I'm sure they won't mind...just don't let them see you. And you didn't hear it from me.

Replace the gasoline lawnmower with a cordless battery or electrical model without using fuel. We can all practice ways to help our planet. It's not only good for us. It's good for everyone.

Happy gardening!

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California Acted on Pollution in the Garden As Early As 1990

As early as 1990, California opened a new front in the battle against air pollution, California made moves to control many everyday tools of modern American household to include gasoline-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and snow blowers.

These actions were believed to be the first efforts then to regulate exhaust from these and other "utility" machines, the state's powerful Air Resources Board issued orders to manufacturers to reduce pollutant emissions by 55 percent in two steps starting as early at 1994. These machines produce up to 50 times more pollution per horsepower than trucks produce.

Consumers nationwide ultimately paid for the new technology. Industry leaders raise the concern that the rules were more likely to double the retail prices of such products that could shut them out of the California market altogether, when the second tier of rules take effect. They argued that the cost of developing the catalytic converter technology needed to comply with the second tier of rules would make the machines prohibitively costly.

Overall, it is estimated that utility machines contribute 5 percent of the hydrocarbon and 4 percent of carbon monoxide emissions in California. The total emissions from such machines are the equivalent of 3.5 million new 1991 model automobiles driven 16,000 miles. In 1989, Americans bought 13.2 million utility machines, including lawn mowers, garden tractors, tillers, shredders, grinders and outdoor vacuums.

These actions illustrated the lengths to which California has been forced to go to clean up its air, which in some sections is the worst in the nation. As cleaner and cleaner cars and industry, other smaller sources became more important.

Given the importance of the huge California market for the lawn-and-garden industry, the rules were likely what had the impact as manufacturers modified their products so they could be sold there. More manufacturers decided to make separate product lines for California and for the rest of the country, and many elected to make only the one, more expensive product.

Enhancements to battery technology have made possible the conversion from two stroke gasoline powered lawn and garden tools to 24 volt to 36 volt battery mowers, hedge trimmer, tree pruners, grass trimmer, chain saw with virtually no harmful emissions. Lithium battery technology is quickly replacing lead acid technology to delivery power equivalent to two stroke engine without the harmful affects of noise air pollution.

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