When we purchased our home six years ago, I was thrilled to be close to a family-owned hardware store and a Home Depot. However, I wasn’t exactly the handy type. I relied heavily on manuals and only ever used basic tools like shovels and a rake. YouTube became my go-to resource for home repairs, especially when my child broke the bathtub handle or when I needed help fixing a shed window, which had become a casualty of my son’s little league pitching practice.
For our landscaping, we tried hiring a couple of college students who offered lawn care services and leaf removal. I loved seeing our neatly mowed grass and not having to deal with the hassle of leaf cleanup. Then, I had a lightbulb moment: why not invest in a leaf blower? I found myself envious of how quickly my neighbor could clear his yard of leaves, while I was busy bribing my teenage son with donuts and cash to rake our yard with our flimsy rake and easily torn brown leaf bags.
However, I eventually came to my senses. Just like my fleeting desire for a Keurig machine, I realized that neither a leaf blower nor a coffee maker are particularly eco-friendly, even if they would make my life a bit easier. In fact, using a backpack leaf blower for just one hour emits more carbon monoxide than a car running for eight hours! Scary, right? A 2015 study found that there were over 11 million leaf blowers in use across the United States. If the emissions alone don’t deter you, consider the noise factor.
I’ve heard leaf blowers roaring on Saturday and Sunday mornings, often disrupting peaceful weekends. The sound is not just annoying; it can also lead to hearing loss. According to NoNoise.org, a blower can emit noise levels between 70-75 dB at a distance of 50 feet, reaching 90-100 dB at the operator’s ear. With OSHA guidelines requiring hearing protection for sounds over 85 dB, and considering the World Health Organization’s warnings about noise above 75 dBA, it’s clear that the risks are significant.
For me, achieving a perfectly leaf-free yard isn’t worth irritating my neighbors or contributing to carbon emissions. Noise pollution can elevate stress levels, leading to increased blood pressure, decreased productivity, and sleep disruption. I can attest that when someone wakes a napping baby with that relentless noise, the stress level of parents skyrockets.
Some communities have begun banning leaf blowers due to their adverse effects on the environment. Cities in California and Washington, D.C. are phasing out these machines due to their contributions to air and noise pollution. In one California county, leaf blowers were even banned during the pandemic. As Hannah Stafford, chair of the Natural Resources Commission, mentioned in an ABC interview, the pandemic has forced many to spend more time outdoors, making the impacts of leaf blower noise and air quality more pronounced.
By January 2022, Washington D.C. will implement a law prohibiting the use of leaf blowers. Raking is set to become the new norm in various communities, and other states should take notice. On the positive side, raking leaves can improve upper body strength and core stability, making it a great addition to your fall exercise routine. Two birds, one stone, right?
Currently, my lawn is covered in snow, but underneath lies a mountain of brown leaves. Honestly, I’m too tired to tackle the task myself and too lazy to persuade my teenage son to do it, not to mention too cheap to pay our college-aged landscaper this month. So, the leaves remain. My desire for a leaf blower has vanished out of respect for my neighbors and a commitment to helping our planet. Sure, my yard may look a bit shabby with scattered leaves, but spring will come around eventually, and perhaps I’ll get the chance to rake. At the very least, my neighbors won’t resent me for it.
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Summary:
This article discusses the drawbacks of using leaf blowers, including their negative environmental impact and noise pollution, while advocating for the traditional method of raking leaves. It highlights the benefits of raking, such as improved physical fitness and neighborly harmony, while addressing the growing trend of communities banning leaf blowers in favor of more eco-friendly practices.
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