Leave the leaves, and other things you can do to prevent leaf blower pollution

Managing Leaves on the Lawn

One thing you can do, which is a step more beneficial for the environment, is to ‘leave the leaves’ and help replenish the natural ecosystem. 

Leaves left on the ground attract more insects which in turn attract more birds looking for insects. Clearing the fallen leaves sweeps away prime habitat for a lot of creatures and also disrupts the environment for critical pollinating species such as bees, butterflies and moths, as well as other critters including amphibians and small mammals like chipmunks. 

Change your lawn care

Fortunately, there’s a better way to maintain a tidy lawn without contributing to climate change. Electric lawn equipment, such as electric leaf blowers and mowers, emits zero planet-warming emissions. Transitioning to the quieter, electric lawn care tools is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. They not only help in reducing noise pollution but also contribute to cleaner air, reducing the harmful emissions associated with the two-stroke gasoline engine. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they are cheaper to own and operate in the long run due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. It’s a win-win for both homeowners and the environment.

Incorporating native plants into landscaping is a sustainable choice that offers numerous benefits. We can minimize the size of the lawns by planting garden beds with native plants. Choosing native plants for landscaping reduces the need for extensive lawn areas. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, require less pampering, support local wildlife, and minimize the need for frequent watering, mowing and leaf blowing.

Other actions

• Talk to your neighbours and building management about the harm caused by gas-powered leaf blowers. 

• Tell your city councillor you want the use of gas-powered leaf blowers banned.

• Join Gasbusters in our campaign to ban gas-powered leaf blowers and related garden equipment in 2024 and we’ll keep you informed of the latest developments and how to make your opinion heard.