Nix the Leaf Blower

Meet the People, Witness the Events Big Mind Zen Center / CC

It’s the must-have power tool of autumn: the electric or gas-powered leaf blower. A real time-saver, right? Not so, says fitness researcher David Powell. Powell says a typical homeowner saves no more time using a leaf blower over a good, large leaf rake — and raking is better for you since you’re burning calories and working a dozen or more muscle groups. Oh, and it’s less annoying for the neighbors.