Most of us don’t realize the pollution impact of garden equipment, but the small engines found in lawn mowers, leaf blowers and weed trimmers are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and noise.

Using a typical gaspowered mower produces 48 kilograms of greenhouse gases greenhouse gas emissions in a season and as much air pollution as a car driven 550 kilometres.

Each summer weekend, about 2.7 million Canadians mow their lawns, using 40 million gallons of gasoline a year.

So, what are your options? The reel push mower is the most environmentally friendly option. You’re getting a bit of exercise and emitting no pollution. Push mowers available today are lightweight, at only 16 to 30 pounds, versus the 40- to 60-pound models of the past.

They’re also better for your grass, cutting it like scissors rather than bruising or damaging grass blades. With the fine spray of clippings that you can leave as mulch, you can have a greener, healthier lawn.

While it does take a bit longer to mow with a manual mower, it’s a more pleasant experience. Instead of the roar of a mower, you hear the pleasant mechanical sound of the blades, the chirping of birds and buzzing of insects. And instead of the smell of gas exhaust, you can enjoy the fresh air and that wonderful smell of fresh-cut grass.

CLEAN UP YOUR COMMUTE

June 5th to 11th is Environment Week and a time to improve your travelling practices by registering for Commuter Challenge.

Cities, organizations and businesses compete in this annual event to record the highest percentage participation in walking, cycling, skating, carpooling, teleworking, taking transit or other sustainable ways of getting to work or school.

Last year 38 Hamilton organizations and over 1800 individuals took the challenge, putting Hamilton 5th in our size category in Ontario and 12th in Canada.

St Patrick’s School scored highest in the 200-300 class with 78.5% participation, while the Hamilton Conservation Authority involved 51.4% of its 70 employees.

McMaster led the over-1000 group with 12.4% but that was over 600 individuals. Several organizations with less than 50 employees obtained 100% participation.

You can register your organization or just yourself on the Green Venture website at www.greenventure.ca/cc.asp which also provides many more details. This year Green Venture is attempting to make the challenge a year round event.