Lawnmowers and Air Quality

"Gasoline mowers, which cut most of the lawns in this country, produce 2 to 5 percent of our air pollution - astounding when you consider how little they're used. Their inefficient, cheap engines can emit as many hydrocarbons in one hour as a new car does in 344 miles. National emission standards for new models, which took effect last year, will stiffen in 1999, but even the cleanest gas mowers will still be very dirty. What's the alternative? Some suggest electric mowers. But they are either tied to extension cords or depend on battery power, which poses a disposal problem."
- This Old House, May/June 1997