Raise the Hammer
The Clean Air Foundation is sponsoring the Mow Down Pollution program to encourage Canadian homeowners to retire their old, inefficient gas mowers and trimmers.
From their website:
To participate, drop into any Home Depot location across Canada from April 19-29, 2007 to return your higher polluting gas lawnmower or trimmer. You'll receive an instant rebate off the purchase of a cleaner alternative lawncare product including push, electric or low-emission gas mowers and trimmers. Working with the Auto Recyclers of Canada, we'll ensure your returned gas lawnmower or trimmer is recycled responsibly – free of charge.
An hour of mowing with an old lawnmower can produce the same emissions as a 1000 kilometre journey in a modern car - so if you can't cut your commute, you should reconsider how you cut your lawn.
For more information, see the Mow Down Pollution website.
By A Robot (anonymous) | Posted April 16, 2007 at 22:54:14
Nice, but homedepot.ca lists only three electric, four reel, and EIGHTEEN gas models. Some incentive. I sure hope there are more in store.
By seancb (registered) - website | Posted April 17, 2007 at 08:57:46
Just remember, this "movement" is still relatively new -- I think this is a good start. Sure, HD is in it for the money (selling lots of new mowers!), but the "push" is in the right direction (badum-bum).
Now if only we could get the bylaws changed to allow longer grass. Allowing people to be fined for NOT mowing is a little backward.
By Ted Mitchell (registered) | Posted April 17, 2007 at 12:40:59
Let me make it perfectly clear that "low emission gas mowers and trimmers" is absolute and total BULLSHIT!
Have you ever seen emissions testing results for lawnmowers? Didn't think so. Fuel injection, computerized engine management and catalytic converters are absolutely necessary to be able to honestly use the words "low emission" for any internal combustion engine.
New gas powered mowers have none of these expensive features and they won't until it is legislated.
All they do is increase the manufacturing tolerances a little and are a bit more careful initially adjusting the carburetor at the factory. Which means that maybe it will be a little bit cleaner for the first year or so, after that, there's probably no benefit.
This program could be so good if it just left out the gas mowers.
By highwater (registered) | Posted April 17, 2007 at 12:41:44
Thanks for the heads up on this program. I just emailed the link to my gas mower-loving hubby. Of course, if he gives in, this means that I'LL have to do all the mowing. Damn.
By A Robot (anonymous) | Posted April 17, 2007 at 22:25:45
Look on the bright side, you'll be doing it with a nice lightweight electric rather than your current boat anchor.
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