The lawnmower man goes green

A West Auckland gardener knows how to mow your lawn - while saving the planet.
Reuben Shadbolt is the man behind EcoMow, New Zealand's first cordless electric lawn and garden care company.
The West Harbour green thumb trims turf with an Enviromower, a 12-volt battery powered mower, which reduces noise, smoke and chemical pollution.
``This mower has 85 per cent less CO2 emissions, even if you're using a power provider that uses coal to make electricity to charge the batteries, compared to a petrol mower,' says Reuben.
``Every time smoke blows out a petrol mower, it's leaving a residue. There's also up to 75 per cent less noise.'
Reuben says the idea for the company stems from his upbringing, when he was taught to protect the environment, and a past job as a lawn mower which he had to quit because of the fumes.
``They were so toxic, I was getting migraines and I had to stop,' he says. ``This is the lawn mowing of the future. There's potential there to use solar power, ocean, wind and other green power.'
In the nine months since starting EcoMow Reuben has quickly developed a loyal round of customers. He covers West Auckland, the North Shore and central Auckland.
He plans to franchise across the city.
``I'm giving people an opportunity to have their lawn mowed for the same cost to them but significantly less cost to the environment,' says Reuben.
``I'm going to do it and feel good about it.'
For more information on EcoMow or a franchise contact Reuben on 0800 SAVE PLANET.
by Kylie Dulhunty