New mower engines mow down pollution

The small engines on our lawn mowers are far less regulated than their much larger, automobile-powering cousins.

As a result, they pump a lot more pollution into the air. With an estimated 52 million lawnmowers in America, these small engines contribute staggeringly to air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates a new walk-behind mower spews out as much pollution in one hour as 11 new cars. And riding mowers can pollute as much as 34 new cars!

So the EPA proposed new rules to clean up lawn mower pollution. Some of the same technology that helped make large engines cleaner applies to lawn mowers too.

Catalytic converters, for example, would reduce exhaust emissions by as much as 80 percent. Just like on a car, catalytic converters pull pollutants out of exhaust and convert them into carbon dioxide and water.

The EPA says the cost should be close to $8 - more than a fair cost trade-off for cleaner air.

But you can do more on your own. Start by carefully following the maintenance procedures in your owner's manual. Routine maintenance and tune-ups help keep engines running more efficiently and generating less pollution.

If you buy a new mower, look for models with four-stroke engines. They are much more efficient than two-stroke engines and generate less pollution.

You could even buy an old-fashioned manual push-mower. Push mowers have come a long way since the days before powered lawn mowers. Modern materials and technology have updated the classic reel mower into a modern piece of yard equipment. They are perfect for small lawns, or even for tight areas large mowers have a hard time reaching.

Not only are they better for your lawn, but they are better for you. In addition to reducing pollution (air and noise), you can burn almost 500 calories per hour.

Doing everyday chores in a more environmentally friendly way makes the world a much healthier place!

Michele S. Byers

executive director

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Far Hills