Want to do something good for the planet this fall?
Join the MyGreenCranford Green Team members and keep your power blowers and mulchers in the storage shed and “rake for the planet” one day or more during this fall leaf clean up season. This is an opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, have some fun, and do something that will put a smile on Mother Nature's face.
Rake For The Planet is a voluntary program and you should consider your physical capacity to do the labor involved.
Zones 2 and 3 Saturday, October 29, 2011
Zones 1 and 4 Saturday, November 5, 2011
Print the flyer and spread the word!
Rake For The Planet resolution 2011-334. Read the resolution
Helpful Resources:
EPA Lawn and Garden Equipment Tips
http://www.epa.gov/reg3artd/vehicletran/vehicles/lawn_and_garden_equipment.htm
EPA Lawn and Garden (Small Gasoline) Equipment
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/equip-ld.htm
EPA Your Yard and Clean Air
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/19-yard.pdf
PeoplePoweredMachines Cleaner Air : Gas Mower Pollution Facts
http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/faq-environment.htm
California Environmental Protection Agency Leaf Blower Study
Facts about Power Equipment
The powerful air
stream of a leaf blower can strip the land of topsoil, damage otherwise healthy
plants by tearing leaves off branches and spread disease, insect eggs and weed
seeds.
The high-velocity air jets whip up
dust and pollutants. The particulate matter (PM) swept into the air by blowing
leaves is composed of dust, fecal matter, pesticides, fungi, chemicals, fertilizers,
spores, and street dirt which consists of lead and organic and elemental carbon. This can result in health risks for people
with asthma or other respiratory health problems. 1
The average blower measures 70-75 dB at 50 feet and can reach 90-100 dB at the operator's ear. This high noise level not only poses a danger to the operator but can be disturbing to your neighbors, some of whom may be ill or might work nights. 2
Emissions from the two-stroke combustion
engine include liquid and solid particulate matter as well as gaseous carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), a traditional gas powered lawn mower, which has a
similar type engine, produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars each being
driven 12,000 miles.
Using gas powered blowers contributes
to America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Sources: 1. California Environmental Protection Agency 2. www.nonoice.org
Benefits of Human Power
You will reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the emissions produced by small engines.
The exercise will burn calories and contribute to better health.
Get the whole family involved. The time spent together will have a positive effect on the kids and will teach them the value of working around the house.
Your neighbors will appreciate the quiet and you and your family will not suffer the side effects that can result from the noise level of small engine machines.
Raking is better for your lawn and garden.
Save money. A rake cost about $10 to $15 and a gas leaf blower will cost $100 to $500 plus the cost of gas.
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