Munich's Leaf Blower Rules Under Scrutiny Amid Health and Wildlife Concerns
In Munich, leaf use is regulated for specific hours, but a ban is not planned due to EU directives. Meanwhile, concerns about their impact on health, wildlife, and the environment are growing.
Leaf use in Munich can be operated from Monday to Saturday between 9 and 12 o'clock, and from Monday to Friday between 15 and 17 o'clock. Commercial operations can use them for an additional hour at midday. However, these machines stir up harmful particles like microbes, mold spores, and diesel soot, posing risks to lungs and the environment.
The German Wild Animal Foundation warns that leaf use can disturb hedgehogs during their winter sleep, depleting their energy reserves. In Zurich, a majority voted to ban gas-powered leaf use, allowing only electric ones from October to December. Leaf use is a common source of noise pollution, with gas-powered ones being particularly loud, capable of reaching over 100 decibels and causing permanent hearing damage. They can also destroy small animal habitats, hinder humus formation, and disturb garden birds during winter.
The Bavarian Nature Conservation recommends using rakes and brooms instead, distributing leaves on beds and under shrubs to protect the soil and small animals. Violating Munich's quiet times for leaf use can result in fines between 50 and 2500 euros, depending on the case. Unlike Zurich, Munich does not plan to ban leaf use due to an EU directive that only allows member states to regulate their use in specific sensitive areas. The city of Fürth does not have a ban on the table, as reported by their municipal climate and environmental protection department.
While Munich regulates leaf use, concerns about their impact on health, wildlife, and the environment persist. Alternatives like rakes and brooms are encouraged, and violations can lead to fines. However, a ban is not planned due to EU directives, and other German cities like Fürth do not currently have a ban on the table.
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