Mow Down Pollution puts a $100 bounty on gas-powered lawn mowers… dead or alive
When I was growing up, my family’s gas-powered lawn mower never seemed like an especially good idea to me. Gasoline invariably sloshed everywhere when I was filling it, and it belched acrid smoke while deafening anyone reckless enough to be outside in our yard on a Saturday morning.
It turns out they have another big downside: a huge carbon footprint. The Clean Air Foundation reports that “a standard gas mower can emit the same amount of common air pollutants in one hour as driving a new car for over 550 kms”.
Which is why they’ve teamed up with Home Depot to give you a rebate of up to $100 on your gas-powered mower or trimmer, payable towards a new less-appalling replacement (like a push or electric mower). Just bring it to any Home Depot by April 27.
Ah, I hear you say, there’s the catch: isn’t it inherently bad to require people to use gas to drive their mowers out to some far-distant big box store? Turns out they’ve anticipated that, with a link to the Foundation’s PickupPal ride-sharing service. (PickupPal is not, as I’d originally thought, a social network for wingmen. Live and learn.)
Find out how to recycle your gas mower or trimmer and trade up to a greener option here. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, maybe think about trading your lawn for something less demanding on the earth.
Photo by Darren Barefoot from the “Mow Down Pollution” launch
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April 18th, 2008 at 11:32
Darren says:
Merci pour le write-up! Amen on getting rid of your lawn altogether. I’ve lived a lawn-free life since leaving home, and I’m going to try to keep it that way.
April 18th, 2008 at 13:41
Nadia says:
I have never been a fan of the gas powered lawn mower, but love having a lawn. It has always been a nice retro push mover in my house which is paired perfectly with lemonade. A yard is something I will never give up on – even when living in the city. Roof top gardens also welcomed!
April 18th, 2008 at 14:36
Client Plug: Turn In That Old and Busted Lawnmower says:
[...] to Rob, Erika and Rebecca for blogging about this. If you want to mention it, don’t let me stop you. [...]
April 23rd, 2008 at 18:00
Bob "green lawn" Green says:
Liked the post and I especially liked the idea of motovating others to trade up to a no gas mower. One other option is to get rid of the grass but I assume most are not ready for that yet. I am on many levels. In the mean time if you need to keep that gas belching hair cutting contraption running smoothly then check out this lawn boy parts. At least we will more effecently be smogging up the air. :-((