When we purchased our home six years ago, I was thrilled to be close to a charming local hardware store and a Home Depot. I’ve never been the DIY type, needing to rely on instructions and using only basic tools like shovels and rakes. YouTube became my go-to guide for fixing things around the house, like when my child broke the bathtub handle or when I needed assistance repairing a shed window after my son’s baseball practice mishap.
For our yard work, we initially hired a couple of college students who helped us with mowing the lawn and clearing out leaves. I relished seeing the freshly cut grass, but soon I fantasized about getting a leaf blower. My neighbor’s yard, effortlessly immaculate thanks to his blower, made me envious, especially as I bribed my teenage son with donuts to help rake our yard with a flimsy rake and easily torn bags.
However, I faced reality. Just like my fleeting desire for a Keurig, I realized that investing in a leaf blower wasn’t environmentally friendly, despite the convenience. A single hour of using a backpack leaf blower releases more carbon monoxide than a car running for eight hours. That’s a staggering amount of pollution.
Moreover, the noise produced by leaf blowers is not only annoying but harmful too. I’ve heard them blaring on weekend mornings, waking up anyone trying to enjoy a peaceful Saturday. The sound can lead to hearing loss, with levels reaching dangerous decibels at the operator’s ear. For me, a tidy yard isn’t worth the stress it brings to my neighbors or the increased carbon footprint it creates.
Many communities have taken action against leaf blowers due to their environmental impact. Certain cities in California and Washington, D.C., are phasing them out, with some areas even banning them during the pandemic. As Hannah, a local environmental advocate, pointed out, the increased noise and air quality issues have become more pronounced as more people work from home.
Raking might soon become the norm in these regions, and it has its benefits. Not only does it help the environment, but it’s also a great way to work on your fitness. While snow currently blankets my yard, I dread facing the task of raking the leaves hidden beneath. Nonetheless, I’ve decided against purchasing a leaf blower, respecting my neighbors and considering our planet. My house may not look perfect right now, but I can always tackle the leaves in the spring. Besides, my muscles might thank me for the workout.
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