Calls to ban gas-powered leaf blowers are growing over noise and air pollution

Gas leaf blowers and lawn mowers are polluting the air  The Philadelphia Inquirer

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Oct 30, 2023 - 16:30
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Calls to ban gas-powered leaf blowers are growing over noise and air pollution

Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment Contributes to Air Pollution in Philadelphia Region

Introduction

Gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and string trimmers not only emit a maddening whine but contribute significantly to air pollution in the Philadelphia region, according to a report released Monday by a trio of environmental organizations.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
  2. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  4. Goal 13: Climate Action
  5. Goal 15: Life on Land

Impact of Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment

  • Just one commercial lawn mower running for an hour produces as much smog-causing pollutants as driving 300 miles in a car.
  • Leaf blowers produce the equivalent pollution as driving 1,100 miles.

Local Impact in Pennsylvania

  • Lawn equipment in Pennsylvania emitted 965 tons of fine particulates in 2020, equivalent to the pollution from more than 10 million typical cars.
  • Montgomery County had the highest amount of overall estimated emissions in the region compared to other counties in Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

The Environmental Impact

  • Two-stroke engines used in gas-powered lawn equipment burn both gas and oil, releasing aerosols from unburned fuel into the atmosphere.
  • Two-stroke engines are highly polluting and produce carcinogens such as benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde.

Call for Bans on Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment

  • At least 60 municipalities in the U.S. have banned or restricted the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, particularly leaf blowers.
  • California will ban the sale of new gas leaf blowers starting next year.

Local Initiatives

  • Quiet Clean Philly, a local organization, is urging Philadelphia City Council to ban gas-powered blowers.
  • Lower Merion Township Environmental Advisory Council has created a draft document containing options for restricting or banning gas-powered leaf mowers.

Transition to Electric Equipment

  • Some landscaping services have already switched to electric equipment, which is easier and safer to use and reduces maintenance and upkeep.

Sources: Report by Environmental Organizations, PennEnvironment Analysis

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

    • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
    • Indicator: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

  2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

    • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
    • Indicator: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

  3. SDG 13: Climate Action

    • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
    • Indicator: Nitrogen oxides (Nox) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. Nitrogen oxides (Nox) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Analysis

The article highlights the environmental impact of gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and string trimmers in the Philadelphia region. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article mentions that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment contribute to air pollution. This aligns with SDG 3, specifically Target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The indicator for this target would be the measurement of fine particulate matter emissions from the mentioned equipment.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article emphasizes the adverse environmental impact of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment on cities. This aligns with SDG 11, particularly Target 11.6, which focuses on reducing the per capita environmental impact of cities and paying attention to air quality. The indicator for this target would be the measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the mentioned equipment.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article mentions that gas-powered lawn and garden equipment emit nitrogen oxides (Nox), contributing to climate change. This aligns with SDG 13, specifically Target 13.2, which calls for integrating climate change measures into policies and planning. The indicator for this target would be the measurement of nitrogen oxides emissions from the mentioned equipment.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: inquirer.com

 

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