Save the Earth and Improve Our Air Quality By Switching to an Electric Blower
Before getting started on the ins and outs of two-stroke engines, it’s probably worth noting that a blower blows things around. This means that whatever was on the ground ends up in the air. There are some things on the ground that you may not want in the air - dust, for example, which is a pollutant - so some might say that the entire activity of blowing should stop.
The things that blowers take care of were once taken care of by brooms and rakes, which we’ve heard still may be up to the job but good luck getting anyone to use them let alone their gardeners.
California has banned gas-powered leaf blowers and all other gas-powered landscaping tools. This ban goes into effect in January 2024 at which point it will be illegal to sell these implements but not illegal to use them. The reason why California has banned leaf-blowers is because they are extremely polluting. They burn a combination of gas and oil and while doing so releases carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), an hour of gas-powered leaf blower use creates as much smog-causing pollution as driving a Toyota Camry 1100 miles. It’s projected that total smog-forming emissions from such engines in Southern California will soon exceed all passenger car emissions. You can find CARB’s fun fact sheet here. If you are interested in learning more about particulate matter pollution from blowing versus raking or sweeping on various surfaces, you might want to read this study. And here’s a nice long article to totally sour you on gas-powered tools entirely.
Pollution is not the only reason to stop using a gas-powered leaf blower. They are also loud. New electric ones are much quieter, will disturb you, the local wildlife, and neighbors less, and will have less impact on the hearing of the blower operators.
How you can help: provide an electric leaf blower for your gardener to use on your property
But, you may say, it’s not your equipment, it’s the gardener’s. Well, that’s part of the problem. Battery life of a battery-powered blower may not be long enough to do the multiple jobs per day that your gardener has to cover, and a corded blower may be too cumbersome to use on your yard. This is why many recommend purchasing a battery-powered blower for you or your gardener to use on your property.
If you want to pick up a pro cordless tool, you might want to consult this list. This blower appears on many best blower lists and is available on Amazon. There are good corded options on this one from the New York Times. If you employ a gardener, you might want to consider asking them what electric equipment would best satisfy your needs.
Got Questions?
Thinking about making the switch and want to speak with someone? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we can connect you to neighbors who have happily made the switch!
More information on Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 112.04(c), that went into effect in 1998, and bans gas powered leaf blowers is available on the LA City website.
