The 8 Best Eco-Friendly Lawn Mowers For Your Lawn and the Environment in 2023

Mowing your lawn is an important part of owning a home, but it can also be very harmful to the environment. And while there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to lawn care, one of the most important is what kind of lawn mower you’re using.

Gasoline-powered mowers, for example, release pollutants into the air, which can contaminate soil and water supplies.

If you’re looking for an option that is better for the environment, here are the 8 best eco-friendly lawn mowers for your home in 2023. Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Lawn Mower Types and Their Environmental Impact

There are many different types of lawn mowers. For example, you have push mowers, riding lawn mowers, and even robotic mowers. But when it comes to the environment, not all mowers are created equal.

Gas Powered Lawn Mowers

The most common type of mower is the gasoline-powered mower. These mowers release harmful emissions into the air, which can contribute to climate change and smog. In addition, they can also leak oil and gas, which can contaminate soil and water supplies.

There are push lawn mowers as well as riding lawn mowers that are powered by internal combustion engines that run on gasoline. Riding lawn mowers are typically much larger and therefore consume more gas.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric mowers are a more environmentally friendly option. They don’t produce emissions, and they’re much quieter than gasoline-powered mowers. You can have an electric push mower or an electric riding lawn mower.

There are two types of electric lawn mowers – ones that are corded and always plugged into the main power line, and battery-powered models.

Corded Electric Mowers

A corded electric lawn mower is powered by an extension cord that you plug into the main power line. These mowers are less expensive than battery-powered models, but they’re not as convenient because you have to worry about the cord getting in the way. However, they will never run out of juice when you’re mowing, which is a plus.

Battery-Powered Mowers

Battery-operated lawn mowers are rechargeable and can be plugged into a power source when not in use so that they’re always ready to go. This means you don’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of mowing your lawn, or running over the power cord.

However, both corded and cordless lawn mowers require a power source, so they’re not completely emission-free.

Reel Lawn Mowers

Reel lawn mowers are the old-fashioned kind that you push. They have a cylindrical blade that spins as you push the mower forward, cutting the grass.

These mowers don’t require any fuel, so they’re emission-free. In fact, just like a bicycle is more green than both electric and gas-powered cars, reel lawn mowers are the most environmentally friendly lawn mowers because of the minimal work that goes into producing and powering them.

In addition, they’re very quiet and low-maintenance, so they are less expensive and need less work done on them over the course of their lifespan. The only downside is that they’re not as effective on longer or thicker grass.

Mulching Lawn Mowers

Mulching lawn mowers have a feature that allows you to recycle the grass clippings back into the lawn as fertilizer. This is beneficial because it reduces the amount of waste that you have to dispose of, and it also provides nutrients for your lawn.

While all types of lawn mowers can mulch, riding, gas powered, electric, etc., some are better at it than others. You can buy mowers that are specifically made for mulching if you would prefer.

Robot Lawn Mowers

Robot Lawn Mowers are completely autonomous and run on batteries.

They’re also very efficient, as they only mow the areas that need to be cut. This means that there’s no wasted energy or fuel, as is the case with conventional mowers.

You can also schedule them to mow as frequently or as little as you would like. Not to mention, they’re really fun to watch!

The Top 8 Environmentally Friendly Lawn Mowers Available

Now that you know a little bit more about lawn mower types and their environmental impact, it’s time to choose the best eco-friendly lawn mower for your home.

Here are 8 of the best mowers for your lawn and the environment in 2023.

#1. Fiskars 18 Inch StaySharp Max Reel Mower

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Fiskars Push Reel Lawn Mower, StaySharp Max, Manual Eco-Friendly Cordless Grass Trimmer, 18" Cut Width
  • ECO-FRIENDLY PUSH LAWNMOWER: Manual reel lawn mower with 18" cut width; No gas, oil, charging, or cords required; 60% easier to push than other reel mowers and ideal for regular lawn maintenance
  • BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING PERFORMANCE: InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening
  • SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness; One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your comfort and control
  • IDEAL FOR ALL TYPES OF GRASS: Cuts through tough southern varieties like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bahia, and Bermuda; VersaCut technology offers cut height settings from 1"-4" to mow all types of grass cleanly
  • INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower cordless grass trimmer; Limited 3-year warranty

The Fiskars 18 Inch StaySharp Max Reel Mower is the #1 best reel mower for your yard and garden, and our top choice for the most beneficial for the environment. It’s the finest quality and most popular reel mower available.

The StaySharp Max uses a chain-driven design with heavy, no-contact blades for greater inertia and reduced friction. The precision-ground blades and stationary reel of the StaySharp Cutting System never come into contact, which extends their lifespan and sharpness and makes this model It’s 60% easier to push than other reel lawnmowers.

The InertiaDrive system has bigger-diameter cutting reels and thicker blades, allowing the mower to clip twice as fast. Because of the increased strength, you can now cut through weeds and stubborn areas with ease. The mower’s twin-edged blades and wheels, which run the length of the machine, help to avoid frustration from missed strips and harsh edges near sidewalks, fences, and foundations.

The StaySharp Max may be tailored to your individual lawn demands with ease. You may modify the grass cutting height from 1 to 4 inches, as well as alter the handle height and grass clipping discharge direction effortlessly and swiftly.

#2. Greenworks Pro 21-Inch 80V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

Greenworks Pro 21-Inch 80V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Tool-Only, MO80L00
  • The package length is 43.18 centimeters
  • The package height is 86.36 centimeters
  • The package width is 58.42 centimeters
  • Package Weight : 36.287 kilograms

If you want a powered option, the Greenworks Pro 21-Inch 80V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is, in our opinion, the best cordless electric lawn mower on the market. For one thing, it’s great for mowing a lawn with hills. It can climb slopes up to 20% steepness, which is a lot of slope and will cover the majority of the hills on your lawn.

The Samsung 80-volt battery in this self-propelled lawn mower gives gas-like performance at the press of a button, but without the fumes, oil, or pollution associated with gasoline engines.

It can also run for up to 45 minutes on its 4-AH battery, and the brushless motor offers more torque and less maintenance for your lawn mower over the long term.

The Greenworks Pro offers a 21-inch long-lasting steel deck with 3-in-1 grass cutting versatility, allowing you to rear bag, side discharge, or mulch your grass clippings. The features include a push-button start and a 7-position mowing height adjustment.

#3. BLACK+DECKER 13-Amp, 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower

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BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch (MM2000)
  • CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
  • POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR – 13 Amp motor supplies ample power for cutting through thick grass and overgrowth.
  • TOOL-FREE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – A single lever adjusts the mower deck’s 7-setting cutting height between 1-1/2 in. to 4 in.
  • EDGEMAX DECK – Deck design allows precise cutting close to fences and landscape borders, reducing the need for trimming.
  • 3IN1 VERSATILITY – Choose from 3 mowing modes: mulching, bagging, or discharging grass clippings from the side.

Our top pick for the best corded electric lawn mower on the market is the BLACK+DECKER 13-Amp, 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower. This mower is powered by a 13-amp electric motor that has enough power to cut through thick grass and overgrowth and a 20-inch cutting deck that is great for getting through a mow quickly while also being able to maneuver easily around garden obstacles.

The Edgemax deck on this machine allows you to trim close and precisely to the edge of your grass and along fences and landscape boundaries, making string trimming unnecessary.

The ability to change between three grass discharge choices – mulching, bag collection in a 13 gallon bag, and side discharge – provides for great versatility. The fabric grass bag makes it simple to tell when the bag is full of grass clippings.

The single-lever cutting height may be changed from seven different levels of 1.5 to 4 inches with a flick of a switch. This machine has handles for easier transportation and lifting, as well as a compact design that folds down for easy storage in your garage or shed.

#4. EGO Power+ LM2000-S Lithium-Ion Cordless Walk Behind Lawn Mower

EGO Power+ LM2000-S 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Walk Behind Lawn Mower (Battery and Charger Not Included)
  • Battery and Charger Not Included
  • True 3-In-1 Function: Superior mulching, rear bagging and side discharge performance
  • 20" Cut Capacity: Cut more grass in less time
  • 600W, High-Torque, Magnetic Motor: Designed for gas like power at 3300RPM
  • Folds quickly and easily for compact, upright storage

The EGO Power+ LM2000-S Lithium-Ion Cordless Walk Behind Lawn Mower is one of the most powerful and efficient battery-powered walk behind lawn mowers available. It gives you all of the power and performance of a gasoline mower without the loud noises or smelly and harmful pollution.

The 3300 RPM motor is powerful and intended to provide gasoline-like power in a battery-powered lawn mower. It also has a 20-inch wide cutting deck for quicker lawn upkeep. Furthermore, it may be operated as a mulcher, rear bagger, or side discharge lawn mower thanks to its 3-in-1 utility.

The simplicity of operation and its compact size contribute to the convenience of this lawn mower. It has a push-button start that allows you to start it anywhere and at any time, as well as a fast collapse for storage in even the tiniest space. It is compatible with all EGO power+ arc lithium batteries, allowing you to interchange your batteries between all of your EGO lawn maintenance equipment.

#5. Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawnmower

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Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower Standard Full Feature Lawn Mower with T-Style Handle and Heat Treated Blades
  • Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1"-2.5" for a clean and even
  • Lightweight lawn mower has 16" cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels for optimal maneuverability
  • Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
  • Comfortable push mower handle parts with a T-style cushioned grip; Easy, tool-less assembly
  • Clean and quiet reel mower to maintain your lawn without the need for gas or oil

Another top-of-the-line reel mower that you can use in your back or front yard is the Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawnmower. It has 10 inch, ball bearing wheels and is simple to maneuver around a smaller or medium sized lawn.

These wheels have radial tread tires and are constructed of a long-lasting composite, so they’ll be able to go over any hurdles in your lawn with ease and provide a pleasant mowing experience.

It also has the ability to change between 1/2 inch and 2 1/2 inches in cutting height, allowing you to maximize the health of your grass, as well as save on mowing time and energy if you allow it to grow higher.

The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel and are long-lasting, rust-resistant, and effective. They’re also very quiet when in use, and their sharpness lasts for a long time, allowing you to get the most out of your purchase.

The handle is designed to alleviate tiredness and cramping that other reel mowers may induce, while the powdered coated finish aids in its longevity and prevention of rusting. The broad cutting width of 16 inches allows you to go through a big yard fast but is also small enough to easily get into tight spaces.

#6. Sun Joe MJ403E 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher

Sun Joe MJ403E 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher, 7-Position Adjustment, 12-Gallon Detachable Grass Collection Bag, Lightweight, Standard, Green
  • [POWERFUL]: 13-amp motor cuts a 17-inch wide path
  • [HEIGHT CONTROL]: Tailor cutting Height with 7-position Height control
  • [CONVERTIBLE]: Mulching + mowing function. Size of Yard - 1/4 - 1/2 Acre. No Load Speed (rpm)- 3500
  • [GRASS COLLECTOR]: Detachable grass collection bag for easy disposal
  • [LIGHTWEIGHT]: Weighs in at under 31 lbs

The Sun Joe MJ403E 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher is the top purely mulching lawn mower on our list. This is one of the most cost-effective models available, and it comes with the Sun Joe promise of dependability and performance, as well as a two-year warranty. This lightweight – it weighs only 31.5 pounds! – and small mower may be stored in any nook or cranny in your garage or garden shed, although it still has a 17-inch wide cutting deck and 13 amp motor, allowing your grass to be mown quickly and with just a few passes.

The Sun Joe MJ403E has an instant-start mechanism. Simply push the start button and the mower will begin immediately. Because this lawn mower requires connection to an outlet or extension cord, it is best suited for small or medium-sized gardens.

This mower features seven height settings that you may choose between, allowing you to set the grass cutting height from 0.98 to 2.87 inches high. With its detachable bag and mulch plug, it’s simple to switch between mowing and mulching modes. The bag can hold up to 12 gallons of grass at a time, and the tough, sturdy all-terrain front and rear wheels allow you to use this mower on any type of lawn.

#7. Earthwise 50520 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower

Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 50520 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch Corded
  • Powerful 12-Amp motor provides the power to cut all types of grasses; High efficiency motor for gas-like power; No gas, no oil, no fumes
  • Large 20" cutting width with single lever easy-change cutting height adjustment from 1.75"-4"; Large 9.5" rear & 7" front wheels for easy maneuvering
  • 3-in-1, easy on/off side discharge, rear bag, and mulching system; Adjustable comfort 'V' handle for easy of use
  • Compact and slim frame with folding handles for easy storage; Cord retention hook keeps cord secure while in use
  • Lightweight and easy to operate

The Earthwise 50520 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower is another outstanding corded electric mower. It has a powerful, 12-amp motor that provides gas-like power to the lawn mower without the noxious fumes, noise, or chemicals associated with a gasoline engine.

A 3-in-1 electric lawn mower that mulches, bags, and side discharges grass clippings. It has a 20 inch wide cutting deck with minimal single-lever height adjustments ranging from 1.75 to 4 inches.

This mower is simple to handle, due to its simplicity and light weight. It has a push-button ignition for starting it quickly and easily, as well as a cord retention hook for added safety, so you won’t have to worry about tripping over the power cable.

The zone starting / safety bar and handle mounted safety clade control are additional helpful safety features. It also has big wheels and a comfy ‘V’ handle with cushioned grip. Because it has such a tiny footprint and folding handle, it’s simple to store and transport.

#8. WORX WR150 Landroid L 20V Robotic Lawn Mower

WORX Landroid L 20V Robotic Lawn Mower 1/2 Acre / 21,780 Sq. Ft Power Share - WR150 (Battery & Charger Included)
  • [CUTS UP TO ½ AN ACRE] The Landroid L with 9” cutting disc is our model designed to cut up to ½ an acre. Just set the charging base, lay down the boundary wire, measure your lawn with the app, and let it mow
  • [WI-FI & APP CONTROLLED] There are many things you can do from the Landroid app: measure your lawn, check mowing progress, keep software up to date, update your mowing schedule and more
  • [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] The same battery powers over 75plus 20V, 40V, and 80V lifestyle, garden, and power tools in the Power Share family
  • [NAVIGATES NARROW PATHS] Patented AIA technology allows Landroid to navigate narrow passageways too difficult for ordinary robotic mowers
  • [CUSTOMIZED MOWING SCHDULES] Have Landroid mow every day, every other day, it can even recommend an auto schedule based on your yard’s size and conditions

If a robot lawn mower is what you’re looking for, the WORX WR150 Landroid L 20V Robotic Lawn Mower is the best one on the market. With built-in Wi-Fi control and an app for your phone that allows you to check on the mower’s progress, measure your grass, or create custom cutting orders from anywhere, the Landroid is “smarter” than most comparable robot mower models.

It is clever enough to offer a schedule that is suited to your lawn, depending on its size and other variables. You may trim your grass every day, every two days, or whenever you choose.

The Landroid’s accuracy and precision are superior to those of many other robotic lawnmowers, making it a great option for gardens with a lot of flowerbeds and other obstructions.

Thanks to patented AI technology, it can whiz through tiny gaps as well as big ones. Because of its “cut to the edge” blade design, it mows closer to boundaries and leaves you with less boundary trimming and edging later on.

This mower has cutting capabilities of up to a half-acre and slopes of up to 20 degrees. The rain sensor in this lawnmower prevents it from operating when it’s raining (even though the casing is waterproof), ensuring a cleaner and less destructive cut.

In Conclusion

It’s not hard to find a lawn mower that’s environmentally friendly. In fact, there are many different types of eco-friendly lawn mowers on the market today. If you want to make sure your new lawn mower is good for the environment, consider one of these 8 options. Our first choice is the Fiskars 18 Inch StaySharp Max Reel Mower, but any one of these mowers listed would be a great option.

Weighing the pros and cons of each type will help you choose the perfect lawn mower for your needs and keep your yard looking great without harming the planet.

Thanks for reading! Which eco-friendly lawn mower will you choose? Whatever option you go with, make sure to do your research first and read reviews from other customers so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product. Happy mowing!

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Written by Linda Chan
Linda Chan is a passionate gardener and writer with a background in horticulture and landscape design. She has over 10 years of experience working in the lawn care industry and has a deep understanding of the science and art of keeping a lawn healthy and beautiful.

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