A lawnmower pollutes as much in one hour as does driving an automobile for 350 miles. 67,000,000 pounds of synthetic pesticides are used on U.S. lawns. 60,000 to 70,000 severe accidents result from lawnmowers. 580,000,000 gallons of gasoline are used for lawnmowers. 20,000,000 acres are planted in residential lawns.
Powered mowers contribute to noise pollution and hearing loss.
An old error is always more popular than a new truth. The mowed lawn aesthetic originated in the late 18th century from aristocratic France and England. Landscape architect Andre LeNotre designed small lawn areas for the Palace of Versailles. This aesthetic was rapidly adopted by the rich of England, because turf grass grew easily in the English climate of moderate temperatures and frequent rains. The U.S. colonists also adopted the lawn aesthetic in an attempt to transform the wildness of the new country into the sophistication of the old world.