The article by Allyson Chiu highlights the environmental and health issues associated with gas-powered leaf blowers, including noise pollution, toxic emissions, and habitat disruption. Gas leaf blowers emit significant amounts of pollutants and carbon emissions, contributing to climate change, while their noise can affect human health and wildlife. Many U.S. cities are banning or limiting their use in favor of quieter and cleaner electric alternatives.

This study on landscapers' occupational exposures found significant overexposure to noise and respirable crystalline silica (RCS), especially during hardscaping tasks, despite existing engineering controls. Eighty workers at varied sites were monitored, showing noise levels frequently exceeding safety limits, while CO levels remained safe. Fuel-powered tools produced more noise and CO compared to battery-powered versions. Engineering controls could reduce RCS exposure, but additional protection might be necessary.

The research by Barbara M. Alexander and colleagues examines landscapers' exposure to noise, carbon monoxide, respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica across 11 worksites. Most workers faced noise levels above safe limits, especially with fuel-powered tools versus battery-powered ones. Although CO overexposure was not observed, RCS overexposure was common in hardscaping tasks. The study emphasizes the need for engineering controls and protective measures to reduce these occupational risks.

The Quiet Communities newsletter showcases achievements from 2024, such as winning two HHS Environmental Justice awards and transitioning 820 institutions to electric equipment. It emphasizes combating noise pollution, encourages community engagement and membership growth, and highlights successful local initiatives.

In this exclusive QC Close Up with Dan Mabe, President, AGZA and Dan Brotman, Councilmember and Former Mayor of the City of Glendale, California. This Close Up presentation is focused on the topic of transitioning to quieter, healthier electric landscape equipment and some of the huge strides we're making to quiet Landscaping practices across the country.

The Quiet Communities newsletter emphasizes the urgent need to tackle noise pollution, comparing it to "the new secondhand smoke." It highlights a new campaign for raising awareness and celebrates receiving a Phase 2 award for promoting sustainable landscaping practices. The newsletter includes updates on community initiatives, expert insights into noise health impacts, and encourages member participation, offering a complimentary book on noise awareness for members.

The article references Quiet Communities and its president, Jamie Banks, who emphasizes the reduced noise pollution and environmental benefits of electric lawn mowers compared to gas-powered models. Banks points out that electric mowers require less maintenance, ultimately resulting in cost savings and creating a friendlier environment for ecosystems and pollinators.

Gas leaf blowers (GLBs) generate harmful air and noise pollution, posing health risks to children and long-term users. Emissions from GLBs are equivalent to extensive car travel and are linked to respiratory issues, cancer, and other health problems. Their loud noise exceeds safe levels, leading to hearing loss and impaired communication, especially in young children. The article recommends using electric tools and manual methods as alternatives and urges municipalities to ban or restrict GLBs.

The Quiet Communities newsletter introduces a partnership with Wild Ones to promote biodiversity and eco-friendly landscaping while reducing noise pollution. It highlights upcoming events, including a virtual discussion with founder Jamie Banks and the U.S. premiere of "The Quietest Year."

The Scientific American article discusses the health risks of noise pollution, including heart disease and diabetes, caused by disruptions to sleep and increased stress. Jamie Banks, who founded Quiet Communities to advocate for noise regulation after experiencing excessive landscaping noise, remains hopeful for future federal action to address and regulate harmful noise levels.

The Quiet Communities newsletter celebrates a successful year in reducing noise pollution, featuring the upcoming U.S. premiere of "The Quietest Year" and a panel discussion. It highlights the launch of two new programs—Quiet Streets and Quiet Restaurants—and reports the transition of 820 public institutions to cleaner equipment. The newsletter also gathers community input on noise sources and resources needed, while encouraging donations and memberships to support ongoing efforts to improve community well-being.

This guide highlights safe and effective leaf blower use, urging users to read the manufacturer's instruction manual before operation. Key tips include keeping bystanders 50 feet away, avoiding indoor use, and inspecting the blower for damage. Proper operation is emphasized for responsibility and courtesy. Leaf blowers are versatile tools useful for tasks like removing grass clippings, cleaning gutters, and clearing light snow.

This booklet shows the proper way to use a leaf blower, as well as the different types of leaf blowers and different jobs that leaf blowers perform. After reading this booklet, you will have a greater understanding of how to use a leaf blower safely and courteously to protect both yourself and the people around you.

Check out landcare courses available through the American Green Zone Alliance and the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

The article addresses the environmental and health issues of gas-powered leaf blowers, which emit significant pollutants and produce disruptive noise affecting communities and wildlife. A MASSPIRG report highlights their carbon emissions, equivalent to pollution from 135,000 cars in Massachusetts in 2020. Many cities, alongside advocacy groups like Quiet Communities, are pushing for a shift to quieter, electric models. Restrictions are increasing, with California set to ban new gas-powered tools next year.

The article details the efforts of Robyn Elman and Patti Cooper, who successfully lobbied New York City officials to protect about 20 milkweed patches vital for monarch butterfly survival. Their grassroots activism underscores how individual and community actions can impact local environmental conservation, despite broader challenges like climate change.

The report "Lawn Care Goes Electric" suggests replacing gasoline-powered lawn equipment with cleaner, quieter electric alternatives to reduce pollution and noise. Electric models offer long-term cost savings and comparable performance due to advancements in battery technology. To foster this shift, the report recommends incentives, converting government operations to electric equipment, and phasing out polluting gas-powered tools.

The article highlights a trend where companies are replacing manicured lawns with native plants to reduce environmental impact. This move is driven by the need to cut water usage, maintenance costs, and carbon emissions.

This podcast episode discusses the health and environmental impacts of gas-powered lawn equipment, focusing on emissions from two-stroke engines and noise pollution. Hosts and guest experts, pediatricians Dr. Elliot Krane and Dr. David Axelrod from Stanford University, highlight how these small engines generate significant pollution, comparable to driving a Ford F150 truck over long distances. The episode explores health implications, particularly on children, and suggests electric or manual alternatives. It encourages community actions for cleaner air and advocates for policies to transition away from gas-powered tools.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is the first U.S. botanic garden to receive AGZA Green Zone certification by transitioning to electric landscaping equipment. This effort, in collaboration with AGZA and Quiet Communities, aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50 tons annually. A ceremony and summit will celebrate and discuss these sustainable practices.