BACKGROUND
Gas-powered leaf blowers are illegal in over 170 cities across the country because they are
highly polluting,
unhealthy and
noisy.
HEALTH
Gas-powered leaf blowers are unhealthy for everyone, particularly children, seniors, pets, wildlife and especially the operator. They generate two very significant health hazards: toxic emissions and particulate matter. The gas leaf blower 2-stroke engines disturb neighbors and disrupt our quiet neighborhoods. For more information, please take a look at this
informative website.
GARDEN
Landscape experts advise: LEAVE THE LEAVES. Leaf blowers dry out garden soil, push mold, pollen, insect eggs, animal feces and more into the air and destroy habitats for wildlife. For more information, please read this
informative article.
Let your gardener know about the ordinance. Purchase an electric blower and/or batteries for your gardener, or instruct that he/she use a rake and broom.
LAW & ENFORCEMENT
Los Altos prohibits the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Fines for their use range from $100 for the first violation to $500 for a third violation. (Los Altos Municipal Code 6.16.070 – Prohibited Acts Section B.15)
Talk to your neighbors if you see them or their gardeners using a gas leaf blower or leave a GreenTown
“Don’t Blow It!” flyer on their doorstep. Report a violation by calling the Los Altos Police non-emergency number 947-2770 or by filing a complaint on the Los Altos Code Enforcement
online complaint form.
ENVIRONMENT
Gas-powered leaf blowers are bad for the environment and contribute to climate change. The California Air Resources Board states that by 2020, leaf blowers and other small gas engines will create more ozone pollution than all the cars in the state. For more information, please review this report by
KQED News.
