Brummet's Conscious Blog

Greener Lawn Maintenance Were you aware that old, defunct lawn mowers, even those that are not operating, still have some value? Remove the blade, motor, cords, wires and gas tank, leaving the four-wheeled caddy and its push handle. Secure a strong box to this and voila! – you now have a wheeled cart that is perfect for harvesting or toting material, cords or tools around the property. The metal frame of most lawn mowers is recyclable. The wheels are a treasure to those that are handy around the workshop who can turn benches, tables, gates, chairs or shelving into movable, wheeled items. The motor and remaining parts might also be appreciated at a repair shop where they could be reused or potentially recycled. There are alternatives to traditional lawns too - from wildflower mixes to low-growing ground covers that rarely need mowing. Landscaping a portion or the entire area with drought tolerant, wildlife supporting plants is a very environmentally ac...

"Green" Lawns? Ahh. Spring arrives with the beautiful twittering of birds preparing their nests for the unborn. What - can't hear them? The low rumble of lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, rototillers and air compressors not only drowns out natures' symphony, but also disturbs skittish wildlife and sleepy neighbours. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, operating older gas-powered lawn mowers for just 1 hour will produce as much air pollution as a new car does in 11 hours. Lawn mowers newer than 1996 have to comply to new exhaust emission standards, which is a fantastic place to begin. Many home-maintenance machines offer 4-stroke engines options and while less polluting than 2-stroke, they still produce emissions. http://BrummetMedia.ca Gasoline-powered mowers cut the lawn in such a way that the lawn will experience even greater water loss and increased disease problems in lawns. Too often the blades become d...