Environmental Commissions of the Chathams Launch “Quiet Summer” Initiative

The Chatham Township and Chatham Borough Environmental Commissions join Madison and Morris Township in asking residents to put a pause on gas-powered leaf blowing this summer. Quiet Summer is a voluntary program designed to reduce noise pollution and exhaust emissions by putting a pause on gas-powered leaf blowers June through September and is catching on in NJ towns. The goal is to foster peace and quiet in our neighborhoods, as well as a greater awareness of the health hazards associated with gas-powered leaf blowers. These issues impact both residents and landscapers.

When doing your lawn, consider raking if needed. As for sidewalks, driveways and patios, electric blowers and brooms can do the job quickly and quietly.  If you work with a landscaper, consider asking them to pause on gas leaf blowing.You’ll help to promote a peaceful summer, improve air quality, make your neighbors happy with less noise, and can even improve the health of your lawn.

Jessica Romeo, Chair of the Chatham Township Environmental Commission (CTEC), noted that “We’re excited to launch this initiative and hope to get some good community engagement! Our goal is that residents will enjoy the noise reduction and breathe a little freer when on a walk or out for a jog.  It may even encourage residents to adopt these new habits on a permanent basis.” 

“Put a pause on using gas powered leaf blowers and enjoy the sounds of summer,” says Susie Robertson, Chair of the Chatham Borough Environmental Commission (CBEC) “A lot of unnecessary blowing happens over the summer months – we think residents will enjoy the quiet calm this pause will invite.” 

According to both CTEC and CBEC, the benefits of a quiet summer are many. While the noise nuisance is what often sparks concerns and conversation about these machines, we have learned so much about the health impact of gas-powered leaf blowers through a growing body of scientific studies, that it’s hard to ignore the science, both Commissions note. 

• Noise Reduction: Gas blowers operate at high decibel levels that can cause stress and contribute to hearing loss. Exposure to loud or persistent noise can also contribute to hypertension, ischemic heart disease, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment.
• Health & Environment: Two-stroke engines produce significant air pollution, emitting carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde as well as fine particulate matter that can affect those with asthma.  
• Summer Maintenance: In the summer, blowers are largely just moving grass clippings rather than dense leaves. The Environmental Commissions advocate for leaving clippings on the lawn.

Quality of life improvements you’re sure to notice include: 

• Bird song. Noise interrupts their ability to sing, mate and announce danger. Loud machinery sends a “ripple of stress through nearby trees and shrubs,” says sustainable gardener Chad Soles. By putting a pause on these machines, you’ll hear the birds singing again!
• Children will thank you. They’re highly susceptible to the health hazards of the air toxins emitted by gas leaf blowers, and the high intensity noise “is particularly harmful to the developing ears of infants and children,” per research by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and others.
• Fireflies may appear again in your yard. These summer favorites spend their first two years in soil and fallen leaves. Letting the leaves linger means you’ll protect fireflies and provide habitat and nutrients other insects that birds depend upon for food.
• Your lawn will thank you. With hurricane-force winds of 150 miles per hour and more, leaf blowers can strip the lawn of organic matter that nourishes your lawn. Instead, leave grass clippings on the lawn, where they’ll disappear and serve as free and essential fertilizer.
• Even Martha Stewart will thank you. Yes, Martha has an opinion on gas leaf blowers: “never use them.” With her signature practicality, she tells you what to do instead.

Residents are encouraged to participate and also ask their landscapers to pause the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and join the effort for cleaner air and quieter yards.

Those who have questions or would like to get involved are encouraged to write to the CTEC at [email protected] or the CBEC at [email protected]