Fossil fuel burning and noise

Back some years ago., I was sitting/suffering in a classroom listening to the professor, whom we nicknamed a version of the word Destroyer because of the impact of his grades on our g.p.a. The Destroyer was teaching us the combustion process for diesel engines and how compression with fuel causes what is essentially an explosion in a cylinder. Aside from my fascination with the topic, I finally understood what made them so LOUD. I learned why gasoline engines are a little quieter—-and now I understand that both are harmful to the environment.

This past weekend, I was sitting/suffering, listening to the many gas-powered leaf blowers and other yard equipment I was as usual, annoyed. This time though, I wondered how much good for the environment we are doing at our house by not using blowers, but instead using a rake to move some of the leaves and pile them up (we have been leaving most of our leaves before it was a thing). Are we making a difference?

Well, according to an article written in the Moms Clean Air Force blog in April of this year, there is plenty to be concerned about (and possibly avoid) when it comes to leaf blowers, including:

• Noise pollution – disturbing humans and wildlife
• Air pollution 
• Soil damage
• Disruption of natural habitats 

Also worth noting are known secondary effects of repeated exposures to excessive noise from leaf blowers: 

“The World Health Organization recommends general daytime outdoor noise levels of 55 dB or less, but Mt. Sinai says some manufacturers estimate noise exposure from gas leaf blowers for bystanders as far as 50 feet away at around 70 dB. Those most at risk to the noise harms of leaf blowers are groundskeepers, not you or me, owing to repeated exposure over time. Interestingly, noise can also contribute to health harms that have nothing to do with hearing, like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stress, and preterm birth after exposure to excessive noise during pregnancy. Noise from leaf blowers at schools can even impair kids’ academic performance!”

So, the answer is yes, by raking instead of blowing leaves and dust around, we can make a positive difference for the environment. (Plus, it’s good exercise and I need it after Thanksgiving dinner!). If you are able to do so, put down the CO2 emitting machine and pick up a rake. Or just leave the leaves…🍂🍁🍃