Discarding Leaves Becomes Harmful

Although many people might not think so, leaf burning and some methods of disposing leaves are very harmful to the environment. Once leaves are burned, their pollutants and smell linger in the air for everyone to breathe. Fortunately, this practice is now banned from many areas and if not, it is highly discouraged. Dust, soot and mold are all results of this seemingly harmless task. The Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA, indicates that leaf burning causes health problems and ultimately disrupts the environment. Therefore, this leads to an increase financially as well.

Leaf burning may not be the only problem. Recently, leaf blowing has become banned as well. Although this method is much easier and faster, it is creating more environmental issues. Almost 2.5 leaf blowers are purchased in the US per year creating as much pollution as 80 cars. In addition to harming the environment, it is also harming people’s health. The pollutants being discharged can certainly infect lungs and other areas of the body.


To many lawn caring individuals, falling leaves can definitely be considered a nuisance. They think burning or blowing the leaves away can solve their problems and make their lawn look nice. However, most do not realize how much impact this task has on the environment. There are already too many pollutants in the air today that can be prevented. Simple solutions such as old fashioned raking and turning leaves into mulch can drastically improve our quality of living. Although people always say how we are constantly harming the environment, living styles are not changing the way they should be. But, after knowing this, everyone should reconsider their easy but harmful lifestyles.

Sierra Club Green Home (2009, September 25) Burning Leaves is Bad News. Retrieved from http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/40523