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EC's avatar

Thank you for an interesting article, I just joined this is my first post.

What I think is important about a forum like this is *the actions* it inspires. Information without follow on is just data, but a lot of folks taking small steps can really shape trends. From this article I learned leaf blowers are more destructive to the environment than cars. That makes me want to make a positive change.

I am fortunate enough to have a gardener. But shortly he and his crew will no longer be using 2-cycle gas operated equipment on my yard as a condition of service. I will have a discussion with him about alternatives and I will fund a battery-based equipment upgrade including a portable charging solution that will work from his truck.

But one thing is clear from looking into this, there are very few capable (professional quality, durable, long run time) battery-operated landscaping equipment providers out there. None of the spec's I can find come close to matching gas powered alternatives.

I think until there are some solutions that match existing products (performance, reliability, durability), even if they are more expensive, there will be a lot of push back about moving this industry into a more green posture.

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Ed Goldstick's avatar

Kudos, Jim, for your efforts in this realm, but here's the item I saw earlier tody that got me started on a more elaborate comment:

'Are leaf blowers bad for us?' » Yale Climate Connections

http://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/01/are-leaf-blowers-bad-for-us/

Since it does reference your contributions to the cause, I hope the source is not an irritation (I think they still believe in science in New Haven...); however, I am guessing your alma mater published this before your first public writings on the subject:

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/3/28/landscape-services-leaf-blowers/

All that said, I am sad to say that the towns in Central Massachusetts are too conservative to embrace this goals, and it's an equally difficult suggestion to get considered by our HOA, but now I'm wondering if this company that I just found in Concord, https://www.ecoquietlawncare.com/, could make a case to local landscapers.

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