Luscher Farm

Write a Letter to the Editor

Close-up photo of a page in a typewriter. The typed words say

The goal of our letter-writing campaign is to demonstrate and voice community-wide support for the elimination of gas-powered landscaping equipment in Lake Oswego, and to persuade citizens who haven’t thought about the issue to take action.

In March 2025, the City of Lake Oswego adopted a goal to phase out the use of Gas-Powered Landscaping Equipment in Lake Oswego. However, the timing of the phase-out is uncertain and it could be upwards of two years before implementation begins.

Here is the City goal:

“Develop an operational plan, potential code options and communications strategy to phase out use of gas-powered yard and lawn care equipment in Lake Oswego after the City of Portland’s ban goes into effect. This project should have a two-year time frame.”

In light of this, it is critical that we take action as individuals to eliminate the use of GPLE at our homes, schools, and businesses; especially the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.

Letter-writing tips and instructions for submission are below. If you would like more information, please contact Mark Puhlman – mpuhlman@losn.org

Tips for Effective Letters to the Editor

  • Bite-size (cannot exceed 250 words)
  • Local and personal
  • Polite
  • One memorable line

Writing Your Letter

  • Name the problem – Choose a talking point.  For example:
      • Noise impact
      • Health risks
      • Impact on environment- air quality/insects/birds/soil/plants
      • other
  • Identify possible solution(s)
  • Get personal – why is it important to you personally to eliminate gas-powered landscape equipment? What positive actions have you taken personally?

Where to Submit Your Letter

Please submit your letter to

Sample Letters

Dear Editor,
I live in the ___________ neighborhood of Lake Oswego.  I’ve been so discouraged by the constant noise and fumes from gas-powered landscape equipment. 
The use of gas-powered landscape equipment, especially blowers, is harmful to the people operating it. They produce exhaust fumes with high levels of known carcinogens like benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde and fine particulates that are associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological harm.  They send dust into the air that can contain pollen, mold, animal feces, heavy metals and chemicals from herbicides and pesticides.  The high decibel, low-frequency noise they generate causes hearing loss. It travels farther and penetrates walls more than higher pitched sounds. In a neighborhood like mine, a single gas-powered leaf blower can negatively impact up to 90 surrounding homes.
Happily, there’s an easy solution.  I’ve asked my landscaper to use rakes and brooms. I’ve instructed them to leave the leaves in landscaped areas, where they retain moisture in the soil, decompose to provide nutrients for the trees and plants, act as a springtime weed suppressant, and provide critical habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
If my landscaper needs a power tool, I provide an electric one for them to use, and they’ve been very satisfied. They’re exponentially quieter, cleaner and healthier.  Doing so has benefited my landscaper, my neighborhood and the environment.
Sincerely,
(Word count – 226)
Dear Editor,
 
I live in the _________ neighborhood of Lake Oswego. I switched to electric yard maintenance equipment a few years ago and I’m very happy with the change. I understand that the City of Lake Oswego is also using some electric landscaping equipment and hiring contractors that also use electric equipment.  The City of Portland just passed a phased-in ban on gas-powered leaf blowers which is great to see since gas blowers cause so much air and noise pollution. They are harmful for the landscapers, neighborhood, habitat, and wildlife.  Gas powered landscaping equipment is a scourge on our tranquility and the environment.
 
Sincerely,
(Word count 104)
 

Published Letters