There seems to have been a bit of a dust up created since the City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee lent serious consideration to the idea of banning gas powered and very loud leaf blowers in the city.

Some are vociferously in favor of such a measure, while others bemoan the perceived notion that the city – once again – is overstepping its authority by micro-managing issues that should otherwise be left to the general public to work out on their own.

In this case, however, there are specific and palpable concerns for the health, happiness and well-being of the general citizenry. Namely, concerns over the noise factor and the polluting potential of these gardening accessories.

A lot of us have felt annoyed with a neighbor or contracted groundskeeper running one of these contraptions either at inappropriate times – such as weekend mornings when one hopes to sleep in a little longer in the morning – or upwind of us as we hope to breathe some fresh air while we enjoy the outdoors whenever we wish to.

Let’s face it, these things are loud and the environmental impact of the fumes they release can’t be ignored.

Would the electrically powered models be an improvement? Possibly, but one could wonder about the impact of all that energy consumption on the environment as well.

Perhaps it’s time to step back and embrace a more primitive method of gathering our leaves together. A simple garden rake can work wonders, and provide us with a little much needed exercise to boot.