CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsEco-friendly lawn mower giving consumers power to save

Eco-friendly lawn mower giving consumers power to save

By Nicole Johnson  bio | email | Twitter

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -A battery-powered lawn mower gives consumers the power to save the environment and their own pocketbook while still keeping a freshly-manicured lawn.

They get the job done, but they're lighter and cleaner than gas-powered models. Randy Cook uses one of the re-chargeable battery powered mowers, and he says it's given him the power to save a significant amount of money.

"If you're using up a couple of cans of gas a year in your mower, it's a matter of pennies a charge," said Cook. "The maintenance is minimal; sharpening the blade is about the most difficult thing you'll have to do with these."

For people with asthma or other breathing problems, you can breathe easier. "You do not have to walk behind a mower breathing the fumes for hours every year, so you're probably doing your health a favor as well," said Cook.

Health officials say one of the greatest benefits is to the environment.

"We can protect the air quality by not having the same emissions from the gas powered like the ozone forming compounds like hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds as well," said DHEC Regional Community Liaison Richelle Tolton. "It's estimated that another 17-million of gallons of gas is spilled every year while people are trying to fill their tanks, so the oil and gas is no longer getting into the water."

Eco-friendly lawn mowers, like a clean, green cutting machine giving you the power to save.

The annual tri-county "Carolina Yard Experience" is being held Saturday, March 13 at the Ladson Exchange Park. Visitors can get one try using one of the electric mowers and buy one at a discounted price. If they bring in their old gas-powered mower, they'll get even more of a discount.

Pros will also offer up gardening tips, and there will be a Kid's Zone for families. It's happening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free.

©2010 WCSC. All rights reserved.