Can we fix it? Shifting from fast, throwaway hardware to a sustainable DIY culture
Australia imports over 1 million outdoor power tools annually, many of which are petrol-powered and contribute significantly to air pollution. Experts advocate for a shift to electric tools and tool-sharing libraries to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable DIY practices. Electric alternatives are now widely available, quieter, cleaner, and more cost-effective than their petrol counterparts.
- ▪Australia imports more than 1 million outdoor power tools each year, including mowers, blowers, and chainsaws.
- ▪Operating a commercial leaf blower for one hour produces the same pollution as driving 1,700km.
- ▪Petrol-powered garden tools contribute up to 20% of certain air pollutants on summer weekends in Australia.
- ▪Battery-electric tools are now available for most garden and home tasks and can share the same battery across multiple devices.
- ▪Tool libraries, like the Brunswick Tool Library in Melbourne, allow members to borrow tools instead of buying them, reducing waste and saving money.
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Australia imports more than 1m outdoor power tools each year. Operating a commercial leaf blower for an hour produces the same amount of air pollutants as driving 1,700km. Composite: Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenAustralia imports more than 1m outdoor power tools each year. Operating a commercial leaf blower for an hour produces the same amount of air pollutants as driving 1,700km. Composite: Getty ImagesChange by degreesEthical and green livingCan we fix it? Shifting from fast, throwaway hardware to a sustainable DIY cultureHand and power tools can be surprisingly wasteful and polluting.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Environment.
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