Gas leaf blowers are a not just annoying, they are a major contributor to climate change
In California, which recently signed a new law banning gas powered lawn equipment, it is estimated that the pollution from small gas powered equipment like leaf blowers now contributes double the smog-forming emissions of all the state’s 14.4-million passenger vehicles.
The pollution from gas powered leaf blowers is breathtakingly high. According to a study by Edmunds, the hydrocarbon emissions from a half-hour of yard work with a two-stroke leaf blower are equivalent to a 6,200-km drive from Texas to Alaska in a 6,200-pound Ford F-150 Raptor.
The hydrocarbon emissions from a half-hour of yard work with a two-stroke leaf blower are equivalent to a 6,200-km drive from Texas to Alaska in a 6,200-pound Ford F-150 Raptor.
The increasing drone of noise gas leaf blowers is reducing quality of life and productivity in Calgary
Gas leaf blowers produce upwards of 100-decibels of wall-penetrating noise - levels equivalent to a plane taking off. Yet in the City of Calgary they are legally permitted to be used any time day or night within 48-hours of snowfall. The result of their round the clock constant droning noise is lost sleep, reduced productivity (especially while more Calgarians are working from home), cardiovascular disease and even an impairment in the cognitive performance of schoolchildren. In all, the cacophony of noise generated by gas powered leaf blowers impacts the quality of life and mental health of all the city’s 1.3-million residents.
Pollution spewed by gas leaf blowers is increasing the risk of lung cancer, asthma, premature birth and other life-threatening conditions for Calgarians
Gas leaf blowers are not just a nuisance and menace to our climate, they are a direct threat to our health. The excessive pollutants from these machines are proven to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. While the dust they stir up can contain “pollen, mold, animal feces, heavy metals and chemicals from herbicides and pesticides”.
Cities across North America are banning gas leaf blowers
More than 100 cities across the United States have already passed regulations to ban or restrict gas leaf blowers. In 2023, Toronto voted to transition to zero-emissions outdoor power equipment.. In Ottawa, the National Capital Commission that looks after the capital parks and buildings has banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers starting in April 2023 and the rest of the city is not far behind. In parts of Vancouver, a noise bylaw forbids the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within 50 metres of any residence during specific times. In January 2022, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion to phase out gas-powered lawn maintenance equipment, including leaf blowers for personal and commercial use.
Calgary City Council must act
In November 2021, Calgary City Council voted overwhelmingly to declare a climate emergency. There are numerous practical alternatives to gas leaf blowers (shovels, brooms, rakes, snow blowers, power sweepers, even electric leaf blowers!) that Calgarians shouldn't have to suffer through the noise and toxic air pollution. Sign the petition today!