Alternatives to Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Environmental and public health activists are getting louder in their opposition to gas-powered leaf blowers.

First, gas-powered leaf blowers are excessively loud, and the noise they produce travels far beyond the user’s property.

Second, they emit hydrocarbons and gasoline fumes into the air, as well as fine particulates that can cause lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases.

And finally, they can harm wildlife like insects and birds by blowing away topsoil and upsetting the local ecosystem (i.e., nests, eggs, larvae, etc.).

What can you do as a homeowner?

• Planning to buy a blower? Choose battery or electric blowers which are widely available and cost substantially less to operate than gas blowers.
• Already own a gas blower? Limit its use by using a rake to clear garden beds.
• Avoid blowing small particle dust from driveways and sidewalks or use a push broom to clear the space.
• Already contract with a lawn service? Give them ‘permission’ to leave small grass clippings on driveways and curb borders. Or purchase an electric blower for landscapers to use on your property.