By Staff
Ah, the smell of leaves burning in the Autumn air. What may have been a smell from our past, is really a problem for our environment and for those with breathing problems.
The Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging Michigan residents to explore alternatives to burning leaves this Autumn. "Leaf burning creates air pollution, contributes to breathing problems, is a serious fire hazard, and is illegal in many Michigan cities and communities. Burning leaves releases fine particles, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into the air that may be harmful to children and people with allergies, asthma, or heart disease," the DEQ advises.
Our land fills are not allowed to take this yard waste, but other methods of disposing leaves and grass exist.
"Mulching and composting are simple, environmentally sound ways to manage most yard waste. The easiest option is to simply mow over leaves with a lawnmower to chop them into fine mulch, and when left on a lawn, the mulch provides a number of needed nutrients for the grass that will keep it looking healthy," according to the DEQ.
Many of our communities also have municipal composting programs.
In our rural areas, where burning is allowed, permits are still required to burn leaves or brush.
For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair or contact the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 1 800-662-9278.