Gas powered lawn and garden equipment are environmental disasters. Here are some ugly statistics from the EPA. Gas lawn mowers create 5 percent of U.S. air pollution; and even higher percentage in metropolitan areas. Garden equipment engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxide. Gas mowers consume 800 million gallons of gas per year. Gardeners spill 17 million gallons of fuel each year while refueling lawn equipment - more than the oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez. Now believe that last one if you want, but I have heard 100,000 gallons spilled in the U.S. just from mowers - sounds more realistic - but whatever the volume, spilled fuel contaminates groundwater and evaporates into the air leaving volatile organic compounds that create ozone when exposed...(read more)

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