Just One Thing: Make Your Mower Eco-Friendly

July 2, 2009 — -- According to the Environmental Protection Agency there are more than 30 million gas-powered lawn mowers in the U.S. and 90 percent of all lawn mowers in the U.S. have gasoline engines.

Gas lawnmowers also create 5 to 10 percent of the air pollution in the U.S.

But gifted gardeners looking for greener alternatives to gas-guzzling lawnmowers can try electric mowers. In addition to being 30 percent lighter than gas models, electric mowers are cheaper to operate.

Mowing a 10,000-square-foot lawn 20 times a year with an electric mower uses less than $5 in electricity. A gas powered motor would cost $50-$75.

Check out some alternatives to the gas lawnmower below.

The old-fashioned mower uses human power for zero carbon footprint and a price tag of $75.

It's a manual mower that has been updated for the 21st century. It's very lightweight and user-friendly. It also never needs sharpening.

The cost is around $150.

It's a 19-inch battery-powered mower with a rechargeable battery, which is Energy Star compliant. This mower uses 1/25 the energy of average gas mowers and no gas, oil or tune-ups are required.

The battery is a 24-volt sealed lead acid system and the liquid won't leak. The electric equipment emits no air pollution at point of use.

Cost is about $399.