Pragmatic Sustainability
Good For the Environment & Your Pocket
Sustainable solutions have to work in financial terms otherwise the uptake of new technology becomes slow and ineffective. At Electric Mower Market, we are committed to promoting sustainable lawn care solutions because we know electric mowers are both sustainable and effective in lowing operating costs.
New Zealand has a very high proportion of power generated from renewable resources so going electric makes sense. Add the health and safety benefits and it’s hard to argue against purchasing an electric mower. We discuss this in more detail below:
A Few Points:
-
1. The Overabundance of Grass in New Zealand
New Zealand has vast amounts of grass, and many areas, especially on slopes, would benefit from being planted with native grass species or other suitable plants. However, where mowing is necessary, it should be done in a smarter, more sustainable way without the use of fossil fuels.
-
2. Electric Mowers: A Smarter Solution for Large-Scale Mowing
We estimate that at least 75% of all mowing done by councils, large institutions, and contractors could be managed by electric mowers, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered equipment.
-
3. Reducing Carbon Emissions with Electric Mowers
Replacing one ride-on diesel mower with an electric alternative can reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking ten cars off the road annually. This statistic doesn’t even account for the harmful pollutants, like volatile organic compounds and fine particulate matter, found in diesel exhaust.
-
4. Health and Safety Benefits of Electric Mowers
While carbon emissions are a major factor, the health and safety risks of operating fossil fuel-powered mowers are also significant. Toxic fumes, noisy operation, excessive operation are all health risks associated with diesel machines.
-
5. Embedded Carbon in Mower Manufacturing
It’s important to note that all mowers, including electric ones, have embedded carbon from the manufacturing process. The most effective way to lessen this impact is to reduce overall mowing needs, as previously mentioned.
-
6. Reliability and Longevity of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Many studies highlight the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries, but our experience with lithium energy modules (LEMs) has proven them to be reliable. We still have batteries that have been operating effectively for 8 years, and as technology improves, a 12-year lifespan is not out of reach.
-
7. Battery Repurposing and Recycling
Even as batteries lose some of their capacity over time, they can still be repurposed for other applications like solar power storage. At the end of their useful life, we can recommend recycling options to ensure sustainable disposal.
-
8. Renewable Energy and Electric Mowers
New Zealand generates 75% of its electricity from renewable sources, making it a logical and eco-friendly choice to power electric mowers. With the potential for a 100% renewable national grid in the future, electric mowers are a smart investment.
-
9. Pragmatic Sustainability in Lawn Care
Our mission is to promote sustainability in open space management throughout New Zealand while reducing running expenses for our clients. Electric mowers are the key to achieving both environmental and economic sustainability in practice.