Great Green Idea: Green Products: Use Manual Garden Tools Whenever Possibles

Use Manual Garden Tools Whenever Possibles

Going Green in the yard isn't just about using organic fertilizers and natural pesticides. We often forget that many of the electric and gasoline tools in our possession have an impact on the environment as well, even if they are used on a limited basis.

These automatic machines have been a great help over the last century and a half but it's impossible to overlook the fact they produce fumes, leak chemicals, and occasionally drain energy resources.

That's why whenever possible using more eco-friendly versions, i.e. manual models, is vital to keeping pollution away from our crops and living spaces. It can also bring us back to a more wholesome way of gardening and landscaping maintenance at home.

So in the spirit of going wireless and staying away from the pump here are a few tools to reconsider putting back into the garage for those yard chores:

o Reel mower: Once upon a time this manual lawnmower was the only device of its kind. When the gasoline and electric models came along they helped a great deal but created a number of environmental issues. First, noise pollution rose. Second, gasoline models produced fumes and fuel spills and electric models used more energy. For these reasons the reel mower is the perfect tool for homeowners to have on hand. After all, electric and gas mowers still need to be pushed and are generally heavier than the reel mowers of today and when it comes to electric who wants to worry about those long power cords!

o A scythe: Often associated with the Grim Reaper this tool is for cutting grass and other vegetation. Its use has been limited in recent decades due to power tools like the lawnmower but the scythe is still a workable instrument for use in the yard.

o Manual bush trimmers: Like the electric lawnmower electric sheers are convenient but produce noise pollution and use unnecessary energy. When sharpened well, manual trimmers can do just as good a job shaping a bush.

True, manual sheers occasionally run into problems with thick branches but so do electric trimmers. Specialized manual cutters for tough spots are available and should accompany any job.

o Grass whip: Lawnmowers can't function well in tall grass or weeds but like an electric weed whacker the grass whip can chop away any mess readying it for the reel mower to take control.

o Wheelbarrow: For small jobs the wheelbarrow, often mistakenly called the "wheelbarrel," is a perfect fit. Wherever a tractor isn't needed to haul a load use the wheelbarrow.

o Fertilizer spreader: These can be gasoline operated push mechanisms or put on the back of tractors. However, like the reel mower there are manual versions that have stood the test of time and for backyard gardens or lawns there's no need for anything else.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com, a growing community of homeowners and contractors getting the most from their resources by sharing and monitoring home improvement projects. He covers various home improvement topics including tree removal and grounds maintenance.