GAS-POWERED TOOLS

A lot of the equipment we use on our properties - including lawnmowers, tillers and trimmers - is gas-powered.

Believe it or not, your old gas-powered weed trimmer probably causes several times more pollution than your car! That's because the engines in yard tools aren't very fuel-efficient and don't burn fuel cleanly. So running an old gas tool for an hour can create as much pollution as driving your car 500 km.

Gas-powered combustion is a source of smog-causing pollutants and greenhouse gases including carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide. These contaminants contribute to bad air quality and a host of related ailments. Inhaling particulate matter is the same as breathing second-hand smoke; it can contribute to an asthma attack or respiratory problems.

Use Gas-Powered Equipment Responsibly

While it's not the ideal way to power equipment, there are ways to reduce the environmental effects of gas-powered machinery.

• Always take great caution when fuelling equipment - spilled gasoline goes quickly into sewers and into the nearest river or lake, while gasoline vapours harm our air and health.
• Don't use gas-powered equipment when there is a Smog Advisory!

The Hand-Powered Advantage

Often, it makes no sense to use a gas-powered machine. For example, if you only need the machine once or twice a year, then you`re spending a lot of money and harming the environment for no good reason.

So, wherever possible, use tools that don`t require any kind of power to operate. You'll be getting fresh air, good exercise and the satisfaction of knowing you're reducing your burden on the environment.

It is estimated that using a push mower instead of a power unit helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere by almost 37 kg a year.

A leaf blower not only costs money and creates pollution, but it's completely unnecessary. A rake or broom are just as good, cheaper, cleaner and never run out of gas.

And do you really need a riding mower? These machines use a lot of gas and you don't get any exercise.

Go Electric!

One obvious way to reduce your contribution to reduce air emissions is to switch from gas-powered to electric equipment. Electric tools do use some energy, but it's still more environmentally friendly than the old gas/oil combination. After all, a gas-powered lawnmower can put out more air pollution than a car.

There will always be an electric version of any gas-powered tool you use on your property. Hedge trimmers, lawnmowers, string trimmers, pruners, chain saws and even tillers - you name it, there's an electric version.

Electric Pluses

Want some more reasons to go electric? Well, here`s some more:

• Electric tools require no effort on start up - just push the button and you're off. Even when an electric tool sits for months, it starts up instantly.
• You don't have to do much maintenance and there's nothing to drain at the end of the season - just clean and store electric items after each use.
• Electric tools tend to weigh less than gas-powered tools. The lighter load is a big advantage with tools like hedge trimmers or chain saws.
• Electric tools are quieter than gas-powered - your neighbours will love you even more when you use them. And you can use them even in the early hours of the morning.
• Electric tools don't produce odours or fumes - gas-powered tools do.