Personal vehicles and public buses get a lot of attention when we talk about moving away from fossil fuels, but electric technology has valuable applications outside of the realm of transportation as well. Did you know that using a gas-powered leaf blower for 30 minutes creates the same hydrocarbon emissions as driving 7,700 miles at a speed of thirty miles per hour? Emissions are just the start. Here’s a list of reasons we should all transition to all-electric gardening equipment.
- They’re lightweight. Electric equipment is usually several pounds lighter than gas-powered versions, making them accessible for a wider range of individuals and taking less of a toll on your muscles.
- They produce less noise. Using a weed whacker or lawn mower usually requires ear plugs and can wake up the whole neighborhood. Those who work in landscaping or gardening are at much higher risk for hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to these frequencies. Much like electric cars, electric equipment is virtually silent for a more pleasant experience for everyone.
- Lower cost of operation. Although electric tools can have a higher upfront cost, calculations have found that over a ten year period of ownership, electric tools save users an average of $200 due to lower maintenance and lack of fuel cost.
- More environmentally-friendly. Back to our original argument, electric tools have a fraction of the environmental impact of gas-powered options. Gas lawn care engines account for 13 billion pounds of air pollution each year. Many of these tools are inefficient and consume a large amount of gas compared to the power they produce. These emissions are not only contributing to a warming planet, but they are also unhealthy for those that operate these tools. Prolonged exposure to these emissions can create health issues for professionals that use them regularly and even individuals who simply mow their lawn once a week.
New electric technology has brought all kinds of sustainable innovation into our lives. Transitioning to all electric gardening tools in our homes and businesses is an unexpected, but incredibly beneficial switch for humans and the planet.