Quiet Communities recognizes that there are better alternatives to gas-powered yard-work tools.  The typical gas-powered leaf blower is so loud that it damages the hearing of the user and emits a shockingly large amount of pollutants, much of which is breathed in by the operator.  Electric leaf blowers are much quieter, do not emit any pollutants and can be powered by green, renewable energy sources. They are as available and comparably powerful and affordable. 

This is the home page of a the Quiet Communities group in Niskayuna, called “Quiet Niskayuna.”

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT USE A GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWER:

Gas-powered leaf blowers are significant polluters! -> more• 26x the carbon monoxide, 50x the particulate matter, and 500x the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of a car • 30 minutes of use emits as many pollutants as a Ford F-150 pick-up in 3500 miles • Americans spill 17 million gallons of gasoline each year filling up lawn equipment – that’s more than 1989’s Exxon Valdez oil spill!

Gas-powered leaf blowers are bad for your health! -> more• Breathing their emissions is associated with asthma, COPD, and even cancer • They can cause irreversible hearing loss within only 2 hours of use • Other health effects include headaches, cardiovascular disease, and myocardial infarction

Gas-powered leaf blowers harm our quality of life! -> more• Their high-decibel, low-frequency noise travels through windows and walls, making them a nuisance to neighbors and passers-by

Use an electric leaf blower instead -> more• They pollute less, and there’s no need for fuel • They are quieter! 59-68dB range compared to 90-115dB for gas-powered • They are easy to use – just push a button or flip of a switch! • New York’s electricity grid is clean and getting cleaner • Their power and cost is equivalent to gas-powered mowers

Want to do even more for the environment? -> more• Human-powered rakes use no greenhouse gases and are a good form of exercise • Consider mulching or leaving leaves on your lawn to provide habitat for insects and food for birds

Gas spills -> moreThe EPA estimates: “Americans spill 17 million gallons of gasoline each year filling lawn equipment. That’s more than the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.”

Consumer Reports (16 May 2023) recommends electric leaf blowers over gas-powered blowers -> more

Pamphlet: Click here to get a 3-fold pamphlet to download and hand to others.

Exposure to the pollution that Gas Leaf Blowers produce may significantly raise the risk of death from COVID-19 -> more

Did you know there are currently bills in the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers from May 1 – September 30? -> more

For more information and list of sources: https://www.cleanaircollective.net/post/why-are-gas-powered-leaf-blowers-so-bad