Bet you didn’t know this: I was shocked and dismayed to discover that gas powered landscaping equipment— lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, chain saws, and edgers—contribute to climate crisis, poor air quality, and insect decline. Up to 30% of the gas and oil fuel mixture is incompletely burned and released into the atmosphere. Particulates in the smoke are known carcinogens and can contribute to lung disease, especially in children. The pollution can linger around your home for hours or even days, depending on the weather.
Gas-powered lawn mowers produce as much pollution in one hour as driving approximately 650 miles. These machines emit 23 times more carbon monoxide and nearly 300 times more toxic chemicals that contribute to ozone pollution than a car does.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are a nightmare. They emit even more pollution than lawnmowers. These leaf blowers send high-velocity wind blasts directly onto bees and other insects living beneath leaves, which destroys their habitat and can kill them. Gas leaf blowers also can cause hearing loss due to excessive noise. For these reasons, California and many other cities have banned their use. Here’s a current list of states and cities that have banned leaf blowers.
No municipality in Pennsylvania has restricted or banned leaf blowers, but Swarthmore Borough could be the first. Media Borough, which has a very progressive and environmentally aware Environmental Advisory Council, is also considering a ban. Transition Town Greater Media’s Biodiversity Group supports that effort.
Why are leaves seen as trash to be removed? If only people knew how important leaves are to the environment, perhaps things would change. I value leaves and the habitat they provide for insects, as well as the rich nutrients they provide as they break down. I use my leaves for mulch in my flower and shrub beds. I don’t very often need to clean up my driveway and walkways, but when I do, I use a Ryobi battery operated leaf blower on my property. It allows for quieter operation, a gentle wind, and no nasty gas smell. My Ryobi is easy to use, because it is lightweight and there is no electric cord to drag around.
Considering the health impacts, pollution and harm caused to insects by gas mowers and blowers, switching from gas to battery operated lawn equipment is the sensible thing to do.
P.S. I am currently looking for a landscaping company that uses battery powered lawn mowers. Please contact me (biodiversity@ttgmPA.org) if you know of one.