Dear Editor,
Despite the environmental movement’s efforts to reduce pollution and promote a green lifestyle, there has been a proliferation of loud noises and greenhouse gases.
According to the World Health Organization, noise pollution is second in harm to humans just behind air pollution.
The culprits?
Gas-powered landscaping equipment such as leaf blowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws and other gas-powered garden tools.
I live in Steveston and there are plenty of condominiums that hire gardening services.
The result: hours of loud industrial noise.
It sounds like the Hells Angels are touring the neighbourhood! When the gardeners finish one job, they move on to the next one.
Single-family homeowners also get in on the act and hire lawn gardening services or use their own industrial-grade devices!
Besides producing noise pollution, these small two-stroke engines belch out a lot of toxic fumes.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
The District of Oak Bay has taken the lead and is banning all gas-powered landscape equipment.
Users will have three years to phase out their gas-powered devices in favour of electric equipment.
These battery-operated devices are about one-third as noisy as their loud gas-powered cousins.
It’s time Richmond city council follows Oak Bay’s example and bans the polluters.
With a municipal election set for Oct.15, this could be an issue when it comes to deciding whom to vote for!
Eric Hanson
RICHMOND
