For added environmental benefits you may also want to consider an electric mower. Electric mowers save money on gas and oil as well as reduce air pollution. Conventional gas powered mowers pollute as much in an hour as 40 late model cars. Users of gas lawn and garden machines also inadvertently spill an estimated 17 million gallons of fuel each year. That is more petroleum than spilled by the Exxon Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska.
Most electric mowers have rechargeable batteries so there is no danger of cords.
You may want to look into push, or reel, mowers. They have been updated, are inexpensive and very effective as mulching mowers. No matter which lawn mower you decide upon it is important to make sure that the blade is kept sharp. Sharpen blades after every third mowing, or at least once a month. Dull mower blades tear the grass blade, injuring the plant and causing ragged, brown edges on the top of the turf.