Climate & Nature...

With summer in full swing, your lawn growing longer by the minute, and gas prices going sky-high, it might be time to get finally rid of your old, gas-guzzling mowers.

Still not convinced? A recent EPA study might help make that transition even more palatable: gas-powered mowers emit as much pollution as 11 cars (for push mowers) and 34 cars (for riding mowers). Yikes!

Luckily, several new (and old) options exist which will save the average homeowner both money and the hassle of going to the gas station to fill up their lawnmower tank.

1. Go robotic! Two new electric-powered Automowers from Husqvarna offer automated mowing of yards up to half-an-acre in size. They charge in just 45 minutes, and can mow about 800-1300 square feet of lawn per hour. Meanwhile, you can sit back and drink some organic lemonade. (Price: Around $4,000)

2. Go electric! Black & Decker's 24V Cordless Mulching Mower is the first electric mower to gain the coveted ENERGY STAR rating. It charges in about 10 hours, and is intended for yards up to one-third of an acre. (Price: $400-$500)

3. Go old-school! Sometimes the best technology is old technology. The hardware stores in my area can't keep old-fashioned human-powered push mowers in stock. Sure, you have to do the work yourself, but think of it as exercise. (Price: Around $100)

4. Go really old school! Buy a goat and keep it in your yard. Now only will it trim your lawn, you can feed it your garbage! Talk about recycling!

5. Go greener by getting rid of the green! Who needs all of that lawn, anyway? Plant some trees and shrubs and flowers, for crying out loud! Your local birds and insects will love you for it.