Australia imports more than 1 million outdoor power tools each year, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, chippers, and pressure washers. Operating a commercial leaf blower for just one hour produces the same amount of air pollutants as driving 1,700 kilometers, according to the California Air Resources Board. That is roughly the distance from Melbourne to Brisbane. An hour of lawn mowing is equivalent to driving about 480 kilometers. On a summer weekend in Australia, these small non-road engines contribute up to 20% of certain air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. In California, they surpassed cars as the main source of smog-forming pollution in 2020.
Switch from Petrol to Electric
Harry Barber, a transport consultant and volunteer at Electrify Yarra, says battery-electric alternatives are now available for most home and garden power tools, eliminating the need for petrol. "Whether it is a mower, blower, whipper-snipper, or chainsaw, whatever you need, it can all be electric," he explains. Switching to electric tools is far more affordable than buying an electric car, and many manufacturers sell one battery that works across multiple tools. Electric tools not only eliminate air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions but are also much quieter and lack the burnt oil smell of two-stroke engines. Australian governments banned the sale of two-stroke tools in 2020 due to their pollution, though many households still use them. Dozens of U.S. cities have banned petrol-powered leaf blowers or introduced incentives for electric lawn equipment.
Borrow Instead of Buy: Tool Libraries
A growing network of tool libraries across Australia allows people to borrow high-quality hand and power tools for a membership fee, strengthening communities, reducing waste, and saving money. The Brunswick Tool Library in Melbourne, the largest in the country with nearly 1,400 members, has operated for 13 years. President Zack Morris says borrowing tools instead of buying them benefits sustainability, affordability, and space, especially for inner-city residents. People often buy single-use tools that sit in garages for years or get thrown out. The volunteer-run nonprofit focuses on durable, high-quality tools, with an inventory of over 2,000 items ranging from small Allen keys to large ladders and pressure washers. Popular items include ladders, vacuums, mulchers, lawnmowers, whipper-snippers, and drill kits. The library also offers education on tool use and repair, which is vital for building a circular economy.
Repair Over Replace
Professor Leanne Wiseman of Griffith University notes that tool libraries help address overconsumption. When tools break, over 100 neighborhood repair cafes across Australia can fix them, avoiding waste. Australian households average eight large appliances and 10 to 15 smaller ones, but power tools often are not built to last. Parts are glued instead of screwed, spare parts are scarce, and batteries and chargers are often brand-specific. Software in products makes tinkering harder. RepairMonitor data shows pruning shears, electric drills, hedge trimmers, and pressure washers are commonly brought in for repair. The City of Melbourne's libraries also host makerspaces with tools like sewing machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and soldering irons for crafting and repair. Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece says these spaces are hugely popular for accessing tools without buying them. "We want to be a city that knows how to make things and repair things, not a disposable society," he emphasizes.
Embrace Sustainable DIY
By switching to electric tools, borrowing from tool libraries, and repairing instead of replacing, Australians can reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying DIY projects. These practices cut down on waste, pollution, and costs, fostering a culture of sustainability and self-reliance.
