Chances are that as you read this article, the omnipresent sound of a lawn mower or leaf blower is within earshot.

Besides the loud and often intrusive noise, did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency has stated that "small engines are big polluters" in other ways, too? Power-equipment users inadvertently contribute to the problem by carelessly handling fuel and by improperly maintaining their equipment, the EPA states.

An ounce of prevention is worth far more than saved fuel and reduced emissions, it's also years of extra service well-maintained equipment provides.

A basic premise any handyperson knows: Maintain tools for maximum performance.

Start with a novel idea: Read the instruction manual! Following the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance should provide optimum efficiency of the tool. But those instructions? Well, they're on paper, and at my house they probably already have been shredded and composted.

For the environmentally conscientious gardener, or anyone for that matter, following good maintenance practices means you'll use less fuel, pollute less and your tools will last longer, saving on all the energy that goes into purchasing new ones and tossing the old.

Try to remember these suggestions for optimal performance and a lighter carbon footprint:

* Remove debris from the air-intake screen, muffler, oil filter and other areas as needed. Keeping a tool clean ensures it will run well.

* Check the oil level.

* Apply lubricant as needed, such as a small amount of lightweight oil, lithium grease or silicone lubricant, to all exposed control cable and pivot points, usually the clutch and throttle controls.

* Clean or replace air filters as specified by the manufacturer.

If you aren't a knowledgeable mechanic, timely tuneups at a specialty shop will ensure your engine is running at maximum efficiency.

* Drain the old oil in standard four-cycle lawn mower engines at the end of the season or as you gear up for the new season. Of course, dispose of the old oil properly. Check with a local gas station, quick-lube center or auto mechanic for possible disposal sites.

Add fuel sparingly, as the lawn- and landscape-maintenance season comes to a close. Tools should be stored without fuel. If there is only a little bit of gas in the tank at the end of the season, run the engine until it's empty. Better yet, remove the fuel and store it in an approved container with the rest of your gasoline.

A well-maintained tool hits every environmental button.

Joe Lamp'l, host of Fresh from the Garden on the DIY Network and GardenSMART on PBS, is a Master Gardener and author. For more information, visit www.joegardener.com and www.DIYnetwork.com.