By: Jamie Caldwell
Updated: Dec. 30, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 30, 2020
When we moved into our home six years ago, I was thrilled to be close to our local family-run hardware store and a big-box home improvement store. I’m not the handy type—just the one who follows instructions. My tool experience was limited to shovels and a rake, and YouTube quickly became my go-to resource for home repairs, like when my child broke the bathtub handle or when my son shattered a shed window practicing for baseball.
For landscaping, we hired two college students to handle lawn mowing and leaf collection. I enjoyed the sight of freshly cut grass without the hassle of raking, so having someone else do it felt like a luxury. Then, I thought about getting a leaf blower. I envied my neighbor’s immaculate yard, made effortless by his leaf blower on weekends. Meanwhile, I was bribing my 14-year-old son with donuts and cash to deal with our flimsy rake and torn leaf bags.
However, reality hit me hard—just like when I reconsidered buying a Keurig. Neither a leaf blower nor a Keurig is environmentally friendly, despite their convenience. Using a backpack leaf blower for just one hour releases more carbon monoxide than a car running for eight hours. We all know that carbon monoxide is dangerous, right? A 2015 study showed over 11 million leaf blowers in use across the United States. If the carbon monoxide emissions aren’t enough to deter you, consider the noise pollution as well.
I’ve heard them blaring on Saturday and Sunday mornings, disrupting sleep and contributing to hearing loss. According to NoNoise.org, the noise level can reach harmful levels for the operator. The World Health Organization states that noise above 75 dBA poses a predictable risk of hearing damage.
For me, a pristine yard isn’t worth annoying my neighbors and worsening air quality. Noise pollution raises stress levels, increases blood pressure, and can disrupt sleep—especially for parents of napping babies.
Some states and communities have banned leaf blowers due to their environmental and noise impacts. Cities in California and Washington, D.C. are phasing them out entirely. As Hannah Stafford, chair of the Natural Resources Commission, noted, the pandemic has heightened awareness of these issues, especially with California’s severe wildfire season worsening air quality. Starting January 2022, Washington D.C. will enforce a ban on leaf blowers, encouraging residents to embrace raking instead.
On the bright side, raking leaves can boost upper body and core strength, making it a perfect addition to your fall exercise routine. Kills two birds with one stone, right?
Currently, my lawn is buried under snow, but come spring, I know I’ll have a mountain of brown leaves waiting for me. I’m too worn out to tackle that chore now, too tired to convince my son, and too frugal to hire help. My desire for a leaf blower has vanished—out of respect for my neighbors and a commitment to our planet. Sure, my yard might look a bit shabby with all the leaves, but spring is just around the corner, and my muscles will appreciate the workout. Plus, my neighbors won’t despise me!
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Summary
This article emphasizes the benefits of using a rake instead of a leaf blower, focusing on environmental concerns, noise pollution, and the physical benefits of raking. It also touches on community efforts to phase out leaf blowers in favor of more eco-friendly practices.
Keyphrase: raking leaves vs leaf blowers
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