So now that global warming has been shifted to the front burner again, it seems as if everything with a combustion engine is under the microscope - which it should be. Like most guys that have gone nuclear (i.e. married, kids, dog, house, et al.), I have my weekend routine of chores which include mowing the lawn. Big whoop, grass grows, you cut it. Evidently, lawnmowers put Hummers to shame when it comes to spewing noxious fumes into the atmosphere.

For example, regulators in California estimate that using a chain-saw for two hours produces as much pollution as ten cars each driving 250 miles (400km)—though the outdoor-power-equipment lobby, of course, vigorously disagrees.” ~The Economist

Now what bums me out is there are programs out there (especially here in California) where you can get an electric mower at a great discount through government-sponsored programs, but they are not really advertised. Check on-line and through your local sources for any similar programs available in your area. So I want to share some links for people in the L.A. County area - and mark your calendars for next spring (they are sold out for this year already) and get on their mailing list at the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which covers Los Angeles and Orange County, is offering residents a $399 electric-powered lawnmower for $100 if they trade in an old petrol-burning lawnmower.

I know in parts of Nevada, New Mexico and Texas they will pay you to get rid of your lawn (”Cash For Grass Programs”) and replace it with a “zero-scape” (rock garden, cactus-scape, etc.) which saves the municipalities millions of gallons of water annually.

Related Links:
It All Adds Up | The Economist
South Coast Air Quality Management District | Lawn Mower Exchange Program
South Coast Air Quality Management District | Leaf Blower Exchange Program
Consumer Guide: Electric Lawn Mowers
San Diego Union Tribune | Smart Yards