ELIZABETHTOWN -- Cutting the grass is a taken-for-granted chore.

The implements used to trim lawns range from the non-motorized to rotary push, to self-propelled gas-powered, to electric and riding mowers.

Lately -- whether because of high gas prices or a concern for the environment -- more people are opting for the old-fashioned non-motorized method.

MOWER'S HISTORY

The first lawn mower is credited to the inventiveness of British engineer Edwin Beard Budding, who, in 1830, aimed to provide "a new combination and application of machinery for the purpose of cropping or shearing the vegetable surfaces of lawns, grass-plats and pleasure grounds."

A decade after that, a machine powered by a donkey or horse was patented, and a steam-powered contrivance was later put on the market.

In the 1860s, mower manufacturing increased, with a company owned by John Ferrabee offering eight models. Improvements continued in chain- and gear-driven machines.

The rotary gas-powered mower common today had its birth in the 1930s.

SAVING GAS COSTS

Though they have a riding mower, Eric Teed and Megan Murphy of New Russia purchased a non-motorized John Deere mower.

"It's an alternative to spending a ridiculous amount for gas for our rider," Eric said. "Those (gas) engines put out an extreme amount of pollutants and noise."

It's a little harder to use, of course. Eric and Megan confess to mowing less of their two acres than in the past and letting some of the yard go to wildflowers.

"I'm excited that I can make a path to our vegetable garden and keep the bugs down," Megan said. "It's a lot of effort, but I'm impressed by how it cuts the weeds and grass."

Jamie Phillips of Essex feels using a non-motorized mower on his approximately 1,000-square-foot lawn is good exercise.

"I think it sets a good example, and there's no noise and air pollution."