ABOUT EMISSIONS

What are Emissions?

Emissions are gases or particles released into the atmosphere, typically from human activities like burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, or agriculture. They can include pollutants such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Emission types

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Emissions from the production and transport of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals used in gardening, as well as from the decomposition of organic matter in landfills.

Alternative: Embrace organic gardening practices that minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reducing the associated emissions. Composting organic waste on-site can also divert waste from landfills and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Emissions from gasoline and oil used in two-stroke engines, as well as from certain types of paints and solvents used for maintenance and cleaning.

Alternative: Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and solvents for maintenance tasks. Additionally, switching to electric or manual tools reduces the need for gasoline and oil, thus minimizing VOC emissions.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Emissions from gasoline-powered lawn mowers, trimmers, and other equipment.

Alternative: Switch to electric or battery-powered equipment, or use manual tools like push mowers, hand pruners, and weeders. These alternatives produce zero emissions during use.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Emissions from combustion engines in equipment like lawn mowers and leaf blowers.

Alternative: Transition to electric or battery-powered equipment to eliminate combustion-related emissions. Electric tools produce no NOx emissions during operation.

Particulate matter (PM)

Emissions from the exhaust of gasoline-powered equipment, as well as from dust and debris stirred up during landscaping activities.

Alternative: Use electric or manual tools to eliminate exhaust emissions. Implement dust control measures such as watering down surfaces before sweeping or using vacuums equipped with HEPA filters to reduce airborne particulate matter.