Once upon a time, I was annoyed by the noise of gas leaf blowers (GLBs) as I walked around the neighborhoods of NE Portland. But now my opinion has changed: I am appalled not only by the noise, but also by the public health threats caused by noxious emissions and airborne particulates. I had no idea these little two-stroke engines had such a large toxic footprint.
We should be concerned about the users, whether landscape workers, homeowners, or landlords, because gas leaf blowers emit toxic chemicals and deafening noise that affect health both immediately and long term. We should be concerned about the neighborhood because of the noise and because leaf blowers create “fugitive dust” that lingers in the air and contributes to respiratory conditions. We should be concerned about our gardens as leaf blowers erode and compact the soil and leak gas and oil. And we should be concerned about the planet as GLBs require fossil fuel extraction and emit CO₂.
Gardening season is here, and each of us has decisions to make regarding our own little plots of lawn and garden. Here are some ideas to consider or discuss with your landscaper to reduce the need for leaf blowers:
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Please leave the grass clippings on the lawn rather than blowing them around with a leaf blower. They are a natural fertilizer, beneficial for the lawn, and will decompose and disappear quickly.
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Please leave some leaves around garden plants. They provide good mulch as well as beneficial cover for pollinators and other insects.
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When garden maintenance equipment needs replacement, please opt for an electric model (corded or battery) or consider a manual leaf sweeper or even a rake! Electric equipment is an investment but will pay for itself by saving maintenance and fuel costs.
Here’s to a quieter, healthier Beaumont-Wilshire!