I don't know if I support a ban on leaf blowers as the best way to address the noise, air, and other pollution problems they cause, not to mention the absurd waste of energy resources involved in running them.
I do want to present one solution, which is wrapped together in a holistic solution for many related pollution and energy-related matters. Workbikes and rakes. A few years ago, I looked at my kids and thought "there must be a better way to get around than a way that destroys the environment for my kids now and in the future. for nearly three years, my family and I went car-free here in Minneapolis -- no small challenge, believe me! During that time, I also began riding a tricycle. Go to http://organicengines.com/ and click on the SUV (Sensible Utility Vehicle) and Pedicab page links to get an idea of what I mean. As one of my clients said "It's another word for tricycle!" (Full disclosure: several months ago, my wife bought a hybrid car, and uses it very judiciously -- but that's a whole 'nother story...) I work in south Minneapolis as a "sustainable household helper." I do what ever is needed, using the most sustainable methods and materials that I can. This includes yard care and handywork. One day, an elderly man crossed the street just to shake my hand and thank me for raking instead of using a leaf blower. Earlier, we'd both observed a conventional yard service pull up to "do" another neighbor's yard. a huge, noisy, stinky truck pulled up with a trailer full of huge, noisy, stinky mowers and blowers. The energy-sucking, pollution-spewing tools were used. the funniest part was watching a poor, sweating laborer run after a few leaves that kept blowing away back down the driveway. I did not have any trouble raking, but the futility of leaf-blowing against gusts of wind was like a parable of intentional ignorance with regard to energy, pollution, and even geopolitical violence. We need more direct action. We need more micro-eco-entrepreneurs. Political discussion helps, but mostly serves as a distraction from real positive change. Politicians know very well that we are in the "last man standing" mode of resource war, and so the only changes open are in the direction of increased authoritarianism and conformity to a high-energy, high consumption, high-pollution lifestyle as a kind of identification with "American Liberty." The more we change how we live, the more we open the way for meaningful cultural and political change. The more sustainably we live, the more likely it is that the world will be worth living in 20 years from now. My concern is that so many -- even supposed "progressives" and "environmentalists" are in denial. Our "intentional ignorance" keeps us from being aware that the changes we need are radical, immediate, and most certainly cannot wait for the government or the so-called "free market" to recognize and make the changes comfortable for us. Political action is good, but direct action is essential, and mostly what is needed. A thousand leaf blowers here... two thousand lawn mowers there....a few hundred huge trucks and trailers running through are city to cart them around....pretty soon we are talking real energy waste, pollution, and demand for more resource wars. On the other hand....a few hundred neighborhood "sustainable household helpers" here and there......pretty soon we are talking about cultural change that can create openings for peace and ecological justice....openings for greater change....maybe less need for war....and safer, quieter neighborhoods. One Minneapolis solution.... -- pedaling for peace and ecojustice -- from Kingfield -- Gary Hoover REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
