Dear Editor,
As New Canaan residents enjoy our backyards on this quiet Memorial Day afternoon, the town seems to be breathing a collective sigh of thanks to our Town Council, for passing by overwhelming majority one of the most important quality-of-life ordinances yet: a restriction on commercial gas-powered leaf blowers during the height of summer, from June 1 through Labor Day. Commercial electric-powered leaf blowers can of course still be used all summer.
The ordinance enables homeowners to continue using gas-powered blowers on patios, pool areas, tennis courts and driveways, and lets the town continue using gas-powered blowers for storm clean-up, emergencies, and other necessary situations, while overall creating quieter streets, cleaner air, and healthier working conditions during the months when people most want to enjoy being outside.
To understand why the switch to electric leaf blowers will be such an improvement, it’s important to know about the type of sound and pollution gas-powered leaf blowers produce, compared to electric.
Gas-powered leaf blowers spew out one-third of the contents of their gas tanks, aerosolizing the gas itself along with the burned fuel exhaust. The toxic contents of the tank ends up in the air, and on the lawn. Landscaping crews are exposed daily to this discharge, which is linked to asthma, heart disease and cancer.
Electric leaf blowers produce a high-frequency sound that is easily blocked by building assemblies and dissipates rapidly through the air. Gas-powered leaf blowers, on the other hand, emit a pervasive rumble at a lower frequency. Sound at longer wavelengths travels far and broadly, and easily penetrates physical barriers like doors and windows.
Also, gas-powered leaf blowers stay on continuously – and the noise is unending while a crew is working. Electric blowers can remain off, because they can be switched on or off the moment the operator needs without removing a backpack. It will make sense to keep them inactive to preserve battery life.
Many homeowners are happy to allow landscapers to charge batteries using outdoor electrical outlets while they are working. The electricity cost to recharge a battery is minimal. And for many landscapers, transition to electric is already underway. Companies working in nearby towns with similar restrictions have been adapting for years.
We have needlessly followed maintenance regimes that degrade the livability of our community. There is another way, one our neighboring communities all through Westchester and Fairfield County have chosen. Like so many residents, I am thankful we in New Canaan are joining them in opting for a better quality of daily life.
Jill LaGattuta
