The issue I have with these is the parts and batteries are awful for recycling. An engine is all metal and once the oil is drained there are no hazardous to nature parts. Plastic is made from oil so are these environmentally friendly? Especially if the batteries only last a few years?
You are overlooking the pollution the emit while running, which is considerable, especially 2-stroke ones. A gas leaf blower used for an hour emits the same air pollution as driving 1,100 miles (source).
And the fact that that oil has to be changed periodically. They also have many plastic parts AND small engines have a notoriously high failure rate when used with ethanol fuels.
Meanwhile, the electric motors in battery ones basically run forever and properly cared for the batteries last many years, after which they can be recycled.
The issue I have with these is the parts and batteries are awful for recycling. An engine is all metal and once the oil is drained there are no hazardous to nature parts. Plastic is made from oil so are these environmentally friendly? Especially if the batteries only last a few years?
I just get corded electric. Never have to worry about it running out of juice that way. Though, it does mean there are limits to what you can get.
You are overlooking the pollution the emit while running, which is considerable, especially 2-stroke ones. A gas leaf blower used for an hour emits the same air pollution as driving 1,100 miles (source).
And the fact that that oil has to be changed periodically. They also have many plastic parts AND small engines have a notoriously high failure rate when used with ethanol fuels.
Meanwhile, the electric motors in battery ones basically run forever and properly cared for the batteries last many years, after which they can be recycled.