Saving energy, saving money...

There are many more articles today on the possible world energy crisis due to Katrina.

To point out that when you save fuel you often save money, read Marshal Brain's blog entry on buying an electric scooter. Marshall works out how much you can save just running short trips in good weather on the scooter instead of the cars. As the saying goes, "Every little bit helps."

On a smaller scale is the electric lawn mower. I have used a cordless electric lawn mower for about 6 years now. According to this link the cost of using a rechargeable lawn mower is about $3-4 a year. Thats about the same about of money you will save replacing one normal 75 watt bulb with a 22 watt compact fluorescent light in a lamp used 5 hours a day or more.

I can tell you from experience that the battery operated lawn mower works well for a 1/4 acre lot, will work for a 1/3 acre lot if the lawn isn't too thick. Eventually manufactures should take the next logical step and have battery modules so you can quick switch a depleted pack for a fully charged one. Switchable batteries will allow for larger mowing area's and potential self-propeled electric mowers. Beyond the savings, it is really nice to not have to worry about oil or gas for the lawn mower!