Community Discussion & Vote: Quiet Clean Salem Initiative

Hello Neighbors, Our next general meeting will be Thursday, December 4th at 6:30 PM at Roth’s.

We have received a request for WSNA to endorse the Quiet Clean Salem Mission, and we will be voting on this during the meeting. Below is the mission statement for the group, and I have also attached their presentation for your review.

Please take some time to look it over and join us for the discussion and vote. If you are unable to attend, we would still appreciate hearing your thoughts on the topic.

Thank you!

Mission Statement:

Quiet Clean Salem Mission: We are a volunteer effort aiming to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers in the greater Salem area to stop the harm they cause to workers, the environment, and everyone nearby. We are working to raise awareness of this issue, promote healthier alternatives, and advocate for the elimination of these devices in the greater Salem area in a way that is fair and equitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the harms associated with noise from gas-powered leaf blowers?

GLBs produce high levels of noise which have been shown to pose serious health risks including hearing loss, hypertension and productivity loss. Noise generated from leaf blowers has been shown to negatively impact cognitive development in children. Testing shows that GLBs produce lower frequency noise which travels farther and impacts more people and households than battery electric leaf blowers. Studies show that one GLB can create unsafe levels of noise for a distance of up to 800 feet.

What are the harms associated with emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers?

The EPA has shown that GLBs and other gas powered lawn and garden equipment expose workers and the public to high levels of toxic and carcinogenic emissions such as benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde and fine particulates. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the dust and toxic emissions created by GLBs. Animals, pets and wildlife are also vulnerable to the dust, fine particulates and extreme noise. The American Lung Association, American Heart Association, World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention all report on the dangerous health risks associated with exposure to these types of emissions including cancer, lung disease, respiratory illnesses and dementia.

Do gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to climate change?

GLBs burn fossil fuels. Emissions from burning fossil fuels are the primary cause of climate change. The US Department Of Energy estimates that 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline are consumed every year to maintain our lawns and gardens, and some of that is spilled. The California Air Resources Board found that, for the best-selling commercial GLB, one hour of operation emits smog-forming pollution comparable to driving a 2016 Toyota Camry about 1,100 miles, and that GLBs and other small engines are the number one source of air pollution in California.

What about the impact on small lawn care businesses if they can’t use GLBs?

There is no evidence that using hand tools or the occasional electric blower will put people out of work. Many professional lawn care businesses are already converting to electric battery powered equipment which creates much less harmful noise, creates no toxic emissions, and has a positive return on investment.

 Here is a link to the presentation  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JFA_HVLAG7QDN7wsM26ywxFrlKlPGnRlJ_qKTMbxek4/edit?usp=drive_link