Gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers are not only noisy and annoying, but also harmful to the environment and human health. They emit air pollutants, greenhouse gases and carcinogens that contribute to climate change and respiratory problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered lawn equipment accounts for about 5% of the nation’s air pollution and more than a quarter of its non-road gasoline consumption.
To address this issue, more than 100 local governments in the US have enacted bans or limits on gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers, following the example of California, which passed a law in 2021 that requires all small off-road engines to be zero-emissions by 2024. This means that gas-powered lawn equipment will be effectively banned in the state, which has the largest market for such products in the country.
The bans are supported by environmental groups, health advocates and residents who are fed up with the noise and pollution caused by gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers. “Gas-powered leaf blowers are low-hanging fruit for emissions reductions. They’re super-polluting, they’re super-loud, they’re super-annoying,” said Jamie Banks, executive director of Quiet Communities, a nonprofit that advocates for noise reduction.
The bans are also backed by scientific evidence that shows that electric lawn equipment is more sustainable, quieter and cheaper to operate than gas-powered models. Electric lawn equipment saves money on fuel, oil and maintenance, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99%. “The electric models are not only better for the environment, but they’re also better for your wallet,” said Paul Hope, home and appliance editor at Consumer Reports.
Electric lawn equipment has also improved in performance, battery life and availability in recent years, offering a variety of options for different yard sizes and needs. “The best electric lawn mower for you will depend on your yard size, how often you mow, storage space considerations, and of course your budget,” said Roy Berendsohn, senior home editor at Popular Mechanics.
However, electric lawn equipment faces some challenges and oppositions, such as the cost of replacing existing equipment, the availability of charging stations and outlets, and the resistance from some landscapers and homeowners who prefer gas-powered models. “I don’t think it’s fair to force us to change our equipment. We’ve invested a lot of money in it and it works well. Electric blowers are not as powerful and they run out of battery too fast,” said Jose Garcia, a landscaper in Los Angeles.
Some critics also argue that the bans are not effective enough to address the root causes of climate change, and that they unfairly target low-income workers who rely on gas-powered lawn equipment for their livelihoods. “We need to electrify everything – it’s one of the key solutions to solving the climate crisis,” said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club. “But we also need to make sure that we’re not leaving anyone behind in the transition.”
Relevant articles:
– Gas leaf blower, mower bans spread in US to fight climate change, USA Today, April 30, 2023
– Electric lawn mowers are a cut above gas models, Consumer Reports, August 5, 2023
– How to choose the best electric lawn mower for your yard, Popular Mechanics, August 4, 2023
– Electric lawn equipment is cheaper and cleaner than gas, but not everyone is convinced, The Guardian, August 2, 2023