This story was originally published byGrist.
Lawn-care equipment leaf-blowers, lawnmowers, and the like doesnt top most peoples lists of climate priorities.
But perhaps the most concerning pollutant it releases is the fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.
Photo: Octavio Passos (Getty Images)
That outsize impact comes because gas-powered lawn equipment runs on different types of engines than passenger cars.
Outdoor equipment generates a pretty shocking amount of pollution.
Emissions also vary widely by state.
California has consistently led on [small engine] emission standards since the mid-1990s, said Dutzik.
We have so many cleaner, quieter electric alternatives available now, said Schatz.
Battery technology has come a long way.
Many states and municipalities offer rebates on battery-powered lawn equipment, and more people aremaking the switch.
But thats rapidly changing and its helped his company grow.
His franchisees now serve roughly 10,000 customers across 16 states.
At this point, said Giard of the performance of his electric fleet, its very comparable to gas.
This article originally appeared inGristathttps://grist.org/technology/lawn-equipment-pollution-report/.
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.
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