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| GARDEN TOOL SEARCH – IS THERE A GREEN SNOWBLOWER? "Tis the season for snowblowers, and with this years amazing snowfall, homeowners are nursing aching backs and sore muscles. Perhaps it is time to purchase a snowblower, but just how green and sustainable are they? After years of debate and justification over the purchase, last season the family finally gave in and bought an electric snowblower. Certainly a less green solution to hand scraping the mountains of snow we receive in the state of Illinois. However, a huge back-ache reliever and a much quicker solution to snow clean-up compared with our old mode of operation. Electric snowblowers, although not as powerful as most gas guzzling, carbon emitting, snowblowers, are easy to use and generally less expensive as well. Of course, without direct carbon emissions, electric snowblowers have the advantage of being much higher on the green and sustainable scale. Our Toro snowblower is so easy to handle, even a small child could use it. Getting out in the winter weather is a delight when your back is not aching over hours of snow scraping. If you really want to make a green statement - try a new manual snow clearing tool called a "Wovel." While it still requires physical labor, the Wovel company claims the Wovel Shovel is doctor recommended and the "World's Safest Snow Shovel." According to the Wovel website (www.wovel.com), "A University of Mass. independent study confirms the wheeled snow shovel clears snow with a fraction of the effort and [is]safer on the back: 'comparable to simply walking.'" Without a carbon emission footprint during use, this tool is a great idea for those concerned about muscle strain during snow shoveling. Should you have a handicap or physical limitation, this shovel is still not the best choice, however. An electric snowblower would be easier to handle with very little effort. From a sustainability perspective, I find the Wovel a nice alternative to the traditional snow shovel which can help reduce muscle strain. Living a green lifestyle is possible by doing a little every day. While many are afraid to go green, thinking it is an "extreme" choice, the truth is going green is easy, simple, and anyone can do it. Be mindful of your choices, like determining which snowblower to use, and soon your life and your garden will be much greener and healthier. Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! www.thecasualgardener.com or The Blogs - www.gardeningnude.com or http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com |
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