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TT: LA bans leaf-blowers
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National Public Radio reported today that Los Angeles has officially
signed onto the current trend against leaf-blowers, by banning their
use. Leaf-blowers are guilty of causing noise and air pollution
(from both dust and exhaust).
Locals perceive the dispute as a class struggle between the haves
and the largely Hispanic have-nots (the victimized gardeners), who can
double their productivity with these portable gas-powered devices.
Environmentalists argue that a leaf-blower pollutes as much in a
couple hours as a car driving for hundreds of miles.
For us in TreeTown I think one key issue here is how ecological
issues get broken into political 'camps.' No matter how well-
intended, researched, informed one might be on what's best for
the environment, such findings may hold no influence on the
opinions of others, who may think they also are safeguarding
everyone's best interests.
Setting the oil-fields of Kuwait on fire, for example, was
most likely perceived by some as a religious act.. (This may
sound a bit severe regarding leaf-blowers, but my point is
that those who oppose environmentalists often see their own
side as being most righteous, and the eco'ists as promoting
a suspicious agenda).
Richard@Flora.Com
Baltimore USDA Zone 7
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