There are lots of reasons to go electric with your yard equipment
Switching to electric yard equipment reduces your carbon footprint, does not put harmful pollutants into the air we breathe, and is safer and cheaper to operate than gas-guzzling alternatives. Go electric!
The Town of Bedford, in partnership with Bedford 2030, is pleased to provide an incentive program to help residents transition from gas to electric lawn equipment. Trade-in your gas-powered equipment in return for a $100 voucher – redeemable at a local store toward the purchase of electric lawn equipment. Coupons are first-come-first served. Visit this page for more information.
Switch out gas powered mowers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and other yard equipment for electric.
Electric equipment is cheaper to operate because it runs on a battery charge, not gasoline, and is easier to maintain because it does not require maintenance like tune-ups and oil or spark plug replacements.
While the noise of many gas-powered mowers or blowers can cause hearing damage to the operator. electric equipment is so quiet you can carry on a conversation while using it.
IMAGE COURTESY OF AUTUMN MOTT RODEHEAVER, UNSPLASH
Leaf blowers are particularly loud and harmful and have been regulated to some degree in the Town of Bedford. Gas powered leaf blowers have a two stroke engine that emits harmful pollutants that can lead to a variety of health problems, are known to be harmful to the operators, and are incredibly noisy.
But even quieter and non-polluting electric blowers disrupt insect and pollinator habitats and stir up dust, pesticides, feces, and pollen into the air we breathe.
Consider how you can use blowers less overall by mulching leaves and grass clippings, raking, and sweeping walkways.
Professional landscapers often have limited knowledge of healthy yard practices and offer mow and blow services and chemical treatments to move quickly, keep prices low, and keep yards looking neat and tidy. However, whatever savings are gained from this kind of yard care there is a great cost to the environment, biodiversity, and the climate.
Take time to discuss your yard with your landscaper, and explain the principles that you follow in your yard.
If your landscaper suggests a “natural” solution to pests or to fertilize, be sure to ask to see the container that the product comes in and research what it is and exactly what is being applied to your property.
If you cannot find a landscaper who will agree to care for your yard the way that you would like, check out the landscaping information in our resources section.