Quiet Streets Mar Vista (under construction)

Welcome! This is a place to learn about how each of us can contribute to an enjoyable, peaceful outdoor experience for people who live and work in Mar Vista. Even a simple 15-minute walk around the block can calm your mind, recharge your batteries and provide an opportunity to get to know your neighbors. Leaf blowers, which create noise and air pollution decrease the pleasure as well as the health benefits of outdoor activity.

Information on hearing loss

"The hydrocarbon emissions from a half-hour of yard work with the two-stroke leaf blower are about the same as a 3,900-mile drive from Texas to Alaska in a Ford Raptor pick-up truck."

More information here: https://www.zmescience.com/science/leaf-blowers-health-noise-hazards/

About 30 percent of the fuel that a 2-stroke gasoline-powered leaf blower uses fails to undergo complete combustion; as a result, the engine emits a number of air pollutants. Carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons escape from the engine in large quantities.

There is no one-size-fits all or overnight remedy for the situation we find ourselves in. Leaf blowers (usually gasoline) are ubiquitous and sometimes it seems like neither homeowners nor landlords nor the gardeners themselves have found a way to restore peace and quiet to our streets while still feeling good about their landscaping choices. Let’s start the conversation by getting educated…

Home owners

• If you do not want to have a leaf blower operated on your premises, have you made sure that this has been communicated to your gardener and are they following your instructions?

• If you prefer to have a leaf blower used to maintain your landscape, is it gasoline-powered or electric?

• If you prefer to have a leaf blower used to maintain your landscape, is it being used “intelligently”? (For example, many gardeners will spend up to 20 minutes blowing a few leaves in the gutter and street.