Portland City Council unanimously approved a resolution by Commissioner Nick Fish to transition city bureaus from gas-powered leaf blowers to electric- or battery-operated ones by Jan. 1, 2021 (“Portland plans to get rid of city’s gas-powered leaf blowers starting in 2021,” Dec. 5). This is welcome news. If Portland is going to be serious about addressing carbon levels, as well as unnecessary noise pollution, it must consider the lowest-hanging fruit: leaf blowers.

I am a Pearl District resident, and I find leaf blower use to be out of control. Leaf blowers are used by every landscape and property management company to blow loose leaves, dirt and debris into piles or into shrubbery. This is overkill; it is the functional equivalent of taking a chainsaw to cut the butter. Leaves are a natural part of Portland beauty. They can be swept and corralled at the end of the season and taken to a mulch pit for composting. They do not need to be moved about with gasoline.

While I applaud the effort of Commissioner Fish to eliminate gas-powered blowers, even the battery- operated blowers are a noise nuisance. Leaf blowers operate every day of the week, giving residents no relief from their noise. f Portland wants to be serious about livability, it must address these unnecessary tools in favor of rakes and brooms. Perhaps a study can be launched to determine if leaf blowing is more efficient than sweeping. I have watched many leaf blower operators stand still for minutes at a time trying to get one or two wet leaves to budge off the pavement.

Sensible practices make better living for all city residents. Lead the way, Portland.

Lisa Calef, Portland