Electric lawn mowers reduce smog

But will Californians switch?

May 15, 1996
Web posted at: 9:00 a.m. EDT

From Correspondent Anne McDermott

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Springtime marks the start of the mowing season -- and the pollution gas-powered mowers generate.

There are about 2 million mowers, blowers, and other gas-powered lawn implements in Southern California that contribute to murky skies.

In a single day, Southern California's lawn tools spew out more pollution than all the aircraft in the Los Angeles area. A single mower puts out more poison than 73 new cars.

"Lawn mowers, unlike cars, have never really had emission controls put on them," said Sam Atwood of the South Coast Quality Management District. The district wants people to replace their dirty gas-guzzlers with clean electric models.

If all goes according to this voluntary plan, businesses will offer cash incentives to those who go electric. In exchange, companies will get more time to comply with certain air pollution standards.

Will it work? Dan Coleman is pessimistic. The manager of Orchard Supply Hardware says many people like gas mowers, because you don't have to worry about trailing an extension cord, or having the battery go dead in the middle of a job.

But, doesn't he think the people of Southern California, in their zeal to overcome the smog problem, will come rushing in to get electric mowers?

"No," he said. "I don't."

Maybe he's wrong.

An informal survey of Southern Californians turned up few who actually mow their own lawns, but all thought using electric mowers was a great idea. Other low-polluting suggestions: the old-fashioned human-powered push mower and goats.

Feedback Send us your comments. Selected responses are posted daily.

| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN ENVIRONMENT PAGE |

---

Copyright © 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.