Trade: Leaf blowers for furnaces and stoves?

Leaf blowers are back on the council's radar and there is at least one regular Voice reader who will be thrilled to hear it.  The DJ reports

Burlingame officials are exploring how to ban gas leaf blowers in the next few years, and are looking into incentive and rebate programs to help commercial landscapers adjust.

The city passed an ordinance regulating when leaf blowers can be used, after receiving noise complaints from residents in 2012. The ordinance outlined that leaf blowers needed to be certified by the city’s Public Works Department and are capped at 65 decibels. The city later determined certifying leaf blowers wasn’t feasible and it stopped enforcing it. A state law will be in effect January 2024 to ban the sale of new leaf blowers, according to a staff report.

However, Mayor Michael Brownrigg said the law doesn’t consider the use of previously owned leaf blowers.  “They are not only highly polluting but highly robust and easily repaired, so they aren’t going anywhere unless we make them go away,” Brownrigg said.

I bold-faced the "wasn't feasible".  I'm not even sure it has proven feasible to restrict which day of the week gardeners can garden.  But that never stopped some from trying even more regulations.  Here's the wrinkly dollar bills

An electric backpack leaf blower costs about $2,500 and a gas leaf blower costs around $600, according to the report.

To do a full day's work, throw in a couple of extra batteries and perhaps an extra charger to get them replenished overnight and you're probably closer to $3,500 (and rising as battery materials go up).  Daily cycling of batteries comes with a lot of wear and tear too.  This is going to cost someone a good chunk of money, but it pales in comparison to what it would cost everyone to change out their natural gas stoves and furnaces.  At least the neighborhoods will be a little quieter.

Comments

[Cassandra]

https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/06/15/santa-cruz-city-council-suspends-natural-gas-ordinance/

Santa Cruz canceled their idea to stop natural gas in new homes after the legal decision in Berkeley.

Good.

Burlingame Council?

[Handle Bard]

First they came for the light bulbs, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a reader.

Then they came for the gas cars, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a driver.

Then they came for the leaf blowers, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a gardener.

Then they came for the stoves, and I did not speak out-
Because I did not cook.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

[Paloma Ave]

All in the name of saving us from ourselves or is it for political purposes?

I don't recall asking to be saved.

Whatever happened to live and let live?

[Spurinna]

Do they have all-electric homes and cars?
There’s your answer.
It’s for higher political office, not serving the people who want government out of their homes.

[Paloma Ave]

Spurina - Exactly!

[hollyroller@ gmail.com]

SFO, 101, 280, Cal Trans, Cars Everywhere. How can a person running a Blower @ 2 hours-cumulative a day be more harmful than all the other pollutants we live and breath in everyday? The only people who complain about Blowers are the people who do not have one.

[Joanne]

C'mon let's get real, I don't like the noise of leaf blowers but the electric ones are just as noisy!
As far as pollutants hollyroller is spot on! Aren't there bigger fish to fry??

[Just Visiting]

As far as pollutants from gas leaf blowers, if you are actually interested in learning, use Google. The results may surprise you.

[hollyroller@ gmail.com]

Not Interested.
Fake News.
I wonder what the "Air Quality" between 101 and California Ave. are compared to your neighborhood. All neighborhoods in Burlingame?
That concept/question/info I just presented would be a GREAT Acessory for RA people.
Did you folks know-according to Google that Burlingame, CA. has the highest rate of Dandruff anywhere in the Continental US?
There was a mention of Head Lice too.

[hollyroller@ gmail.com]

Funny. Huh?
It is Ok to delete this post if you have to.
Happy 06/19/2023 All.

[Joe]

No, let's leave it as a reminder that even you don't know what you mean half the time.

I'm fine with getting rid of gas leaf blowers--unless it means we have to pay gardeners to get e-blowers.....what a pickle.

[hollyroller@ gmail.com]

What about the other "half of the time?"
That is quite a "recommendation" Joe.
"I'll Be Back."

[Peter Garrison]

Calling noise a nuisance is like calling smog an inconvenience. Noise must be considered a hazard to the health of people everywhere," former U.S. Surgeon General William H. Stewart told the Miami Herald.

Any noise above 75 decibels risks causing hearing damage, yet many people are exposed to a steady stream of sounds that range beyond safe levels, according to the World Health Organization. This is true of people who use leaf blowers, which can reach decibels well into the 90s and above up close, as well as people who hear them by being in proximity.

And then there's the air pollution. Operating a commercial leaf blower for one hour emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving a 2016 Toyota Camry from Los Angeles to Denver, which is about an 1,100-mile (1,770-kilometer) trip. Running a solitary leaf blower for 12 months would be like driving 80 vehicles for 12,500 miles (20,116 kilometers).

Most leaf blowers use a two-cycle engine, which is known for being lightweight and inexpensive. However, two-stroke engines require a mixture of gasoline and oil to operate, because unlike more complex engines, they don't have separate chambers for fuel and lubricants. When the engine is operated, approximately one-third of the combined fuel and oil mixture is wasted, which means that carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide and hydrocarbons are released into the air.

These three toxins are some of the main culprits in air pollution from leaf blowers. Carbon monoxide helps form smog. Nitrous oxide is a prime ingredient in acid rain and has been linked to global warming. Hydrocarbons are cancer-causing organic compounds that also contribute to smog formation.

From health.howstuffworks.com

[MBGA]

User
If a family of eight drove their seven year old toyota sedan from Los Angeles to Denver how much air pollution would they create?
ChatGPT
Calculating the exact amount of air pollution generated by a specific family's car journey from Los Angeles to Denver is a complex task that depends on numerous variables, including the car's make, model, year, engine size, fuel type, driving conditions, and individual driving habits. However, I can provide some general information on the factors that contribute to air pollution during a road trip.

Fuel Efficiency: The fuel efficiency of the car is an essential factor in determining the amount of pollution generated. Older Toyota sedans typically have lower fuel efficiency compared to newer models. Let's assume the car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg).

Distance: The distance between Los Angeles and Denver is approximately 1,000 miles.

Fuel Type: Assuming the Toyota sedan uses gasoline, the combustion of gasoline produces carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants contribute to air pollution and have varying effects on the environment and human health.

Emission Standards: Cars manufactured after 2004 in the United States are required to meet stricter emission standards, resulting in lower emissions compared to older vehicles. For the purposes of this estimation, we'll assume the car meets the emission standards of its manufacturing year.

Given the above information, we can estimate the CO2 emissions based on fuel consumption. Assuming an average of 25 mpg and a total distance of 1,000 miles, the car would consume approximately 40 gallons of gasoline (1,000 miles / 25 mpg = 40 gallons).

The exact CO2 emissions per gallon of gasoline vary, but for estimation purposes, let's use a value of 19.6 pounds of CO2 emitted per gallon of gasoline burned. Therefore, the total CO2 emissions for the trip would be approximately 40 gallons * 19.6 pounds CO2 per gallon = 784 pounds of CO2.

Keep in mind that this estimation does not account for other pollutants such as NOx and PM, which also contribute to air pollution. Additionally, other factors like traffic congestion, driving habits (e.g., aggressive driving, idling), and the condition of the vehicle can influence the actual emissions.

To obtain a more accurate estimation of air pollution, you would need detailed information about the specific Toyota sedan's make, model, and year, as well as access to its emission data or a comprehensive emissions testing.

User
Assuming that the family had six children in the public school system would the average test scores go up in California and down in Colorado or vice versa?
ChatGPT
Without specific information about the academic performance of the six children in the public school system, it is not possible to determine how their average test scores would be affected by moving from California to Colorado or vice versa. Several factors contribute to student performance, including the quality of education, teaching methods, curriculum, school resources, parental involvement, and individual student abilities and efforts.

California and Colorado have different education systems, standards, and policies in place, so there may be variations in the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment systems between the two states. It is worth noting that both states have diverse school districts, and the quality of education can vary significantly within each state.

Additionally, the impact of moving on academic performance can vary for each individual student. Some students may thrive in a new environment, while others may face challenges adjusting to a different curriculum or teaching approach. It's important to consider the specific circumstances of each student and the quality of the schools they attend in both California and Colorado.

Therefore, without more information about the specific schools, educational programs, and the abilities and efforts of the six children, it is not possible to determine whether their average test scores would go up or down in California or Colorado.

User
If the father is involved in the landscaping industry, possibly as a leaf blower, would this have something to do with the educational test results?
ChatGPT
The father's involvement in the landscaping industry, particularly as a leaf blower, is unlikely to have a direct impact on the educational test results of the children. Test scores are primarily influenced by factors related to the educational environment, teaching quality, student engagement, and individual effort.

While a parent's occupation can indirectly affect a child's educational outcomes through factors such as socioeconomic status, access to resources, and parental involvement, the specific role of the father as a leaf blower in the landscaping industry is unlikely to have a direct correlation with test scores.

It is important to note that academic success is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the support and involvement of parents, the quality of the educational environment, the motivation and effort of the students themselves, and various socioeconomic factors. However, the father's specific occupation as a leaf blower operator is not a significant determinant of educational test results.

User
If the mother is a medical doctor would this effect the educational results?
ChatGPT
The mother being a medical doctor could potentially have a positive influence on the educational results of the children. Having a parent who is a medical doctor can create an environment that values education, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic. Additionally, a medical doctor is likely to have a higher level of education, which may lead to a greater emphasis on academic achievement within the family.

The mother's profession as a medical doctor can also provide unique opportunities for the children to be exposed to the field of medicine and potentially spark their interest in science, healthcare, or related fields. This exposure and the potential support and guidance from a parent with medical expertise could positively impact the children's educational aspirations and achievements.

Furthermore, having a parent in a demanding profession like medicine can instill a sense of discipline, time management skills, and a commitment to hard work in the children. These attributes can contribute to their overall educational success.

However, it's important to note that while the mother's profession as a medical doctor can have positive influences, educational results are still dependent on various other factors such as the quality of the educational system, the children's own efforts, their individual abilities and interests, and other environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Overall, the mother being a medical doctor can provide an environment that supports and encourages educational success, but it is important to recognize that individual outcomes may still vary for each child based on multiple factors.

User
Could a ban on leaf blowers raise performance in primary and secondary education?

ChatGPT
The impact of a ban on leaf blowers on the performance of primary and secondary education is uncertain and complex. While leaf blowers can contribute to noise pollution and air pollution, it is challenging to directly link their use to educational performance. Educational outcomes are influenced by a wide range of factors, including teaching quality, curriculum, school resources, student motivation, and parental involvement.

However, implementing a ban on leaf blowers could indirectly contribute to a more conducive learning environment. If leaf blowers are causing noise disturbances during school hours, it could potentially disrupt classroom activities and affect students' concentration and focus. Eliminating or reducing the noise pollution caused by leaf blowers may create a quieter and more peaceful environment for teaching and learning.

Additionally, leaf blowers are often powered by fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation. Poor air quality can have indirect effects on student health and well-being, which can in turn impact their ability to learn and perform academically. A ban on leaf blowers might lead to improved air quality in school surroundings, which could have positive health benefits for students.

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of a ban on leaf blowers and its impact on educational performance would depend on various factors such as the enforcement of the ban, alternative methods for maintaining landscapes, and the overall context of the educational system. Comprehensive assessments and studies would be needed to measure the direct and indirect effects of a leaf blower ban on educational outcomes.

In conclusion, while a ban on leaf blowers might indirectly contribute to a more conducive learning environment by reducing noise pollution and improving air quality, it is challenging to determine the direct impact on educational performance without considering other critical factors that influence student outcomes.

[Ram Emanual]

Read this Stanford study and then see if you can figure out what they left out. It's a test that for real people who can think.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/gas-stove-pollution-california-18161177.php

[Phinancier]

The claim is 70% of Californians use gas stoves verses 38% nationally. Pull the 70% out of the 38% and the national number is probably closer to 33-35%. That must mean that all the bad health effects of gas cooking in California should be double the national rate. That should be easy to show or disprove from the CDC or some other source, but they chose not to go there.

[Joe]

Here we go---gardeners will raising their rates over the next few months to pay for new, electric leaf blowers:

All gas-powered blowers will be banned in the city starting July 1, six months after the state law takes effect Jan. 1 prohibiting the sale of new gas-powered blowers. The City Council unanimously decided to ban the blowers during its meeting Monday, Oct. 16.

However, there will be a six-month grace period for education before any fines. The council decided the fine would go to residents, even if the landscaper they hired violated the ordinance.

An electric backpack leaf blower costs about $2,500, and a gas leaf blower costs around $600, according to a staff report. The council is trying to ease the financial burden for landscapers and residents by offering a rebate program for the costly electric equipment. City staff is still working out the financial details of the program.
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Gotta love that. Vote first, work out main detail later......and then there is this bit of wisdom
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“I think these things are really bad for the environment, the people who use them, and people who have to listen to them,” Brownrigg

https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/burlingame-bans-gas-leaf-blowers/article_c6b2e8ce-717c-11ee-b8ae-338910477d91.html?utm_source=smdailyjournal.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1698069618&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

[Cassandra]

Please, City Council, don’t screw up this decision.

Smartest decision in a long time. Almost makes up for the California Drive labyrinth.

[Phinancier]

What about the edgers and mowers? If we are gonna stick it to the gardeners with our elitist sensibilities, shouldn't we go all the way?

[Spurinna]

Great idea.

As far as elite sensibilities go- if you’re smart enough to ban smoking on airplanes it of course includes first-class as well as economy.

Everybody’s health is at stake whether the elite or the lumpenproloteriate.

[Phinancier]

It looks like this is a done deal with some waffling about fines being maybe not fines. They are adding an hour to the workday because they know it will take longer. Any bets on how much your gardening bill will go up?

[Leif Blow]

Use of gas leaf blowers will be prohibited starting July 1, 2024. After July 1, 2024 only electric leaf blowers will be permitted. In addition, the City's leaf blower ordinance outlines day of the week restrictions for using leaf blowers:

Commercial blowers may be used on only ONE day per week, per area, with an extra day for R3 and R4 buildings on Fridays.
Residents may use their own blowers on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm, as well as on their assigned weekday.

[Leif Blow]

what is a commercial blower? can then be gas?

[Joe]

I believe a "commercial blower" is one used by a paid gardener.

I'm waiting to see how much my monthly charge will do up.

[Timothy Hooker]

In a surprising twist similar to the straw ban debate and the presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable, it turns out that even the more environmentally friendly electric leaf blowers stir up a mix of dust containing pesticides, molds, bacterial spores, and even toxic metals like mercury and arsenic.

These tiny particles don't just settle down; they float around, waiting to be inhaled by unsuspecting passersby, potentially lodging deep within the lungs and possibly leading to serious health issues, including lung diseases and cancer. It's especially concerning for children, who are more vulnerable. But on the bright side, our lawns have never looked better, right?