In winter we can and have certainly had our fair share of snow. In some parts of Manitoba they can have significantly more snowfall that we have here in Winnipeg. The question you might ask yourself after a big snowfall is, do I need a snowblower? However before you rush out and make an expensive investment, here are a few things that you should consider:
EXERCISE
Shoveling is great exercise when done correctly and with safety in mind. Snow shoveling is considered to be moderate physical activity and we all need at least 30 minutes of this each day.
Remember that you don’t have to do all the shoveling at one time. Pace yourself and take a break when you need to.
EMISSIONS
Snowblowers and other small engine devices used around your home are responsible for 5 percent of North America’s air pollution. The problem with these small engines is that they emit a disproportionate amount of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxide because they have no emission controls. They also emit more than their fair share of particulate matter. The exhaust from the gas you burn simply goes straight out into the air that you are breathing.
It is estimated that running your snowblower for 1 hour is equal to driving your car approximately 150 kilometres. It is not a lot of gas consumed, just a lot of emissions.
There are snowblowers on the market that claim to reduce fuel consumption and thereby reduce pollution, however the best snow clearing machine is still the one that runs on three meals a day, the venerable human-powered snowblower.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
While it is good exercise and good for your body, it is important not over exert yourself when doing any kind of physical activity. Here are a few tip to help you gain the health benefits of shoveling while avoiding the pain that can come from over exertion:
- Begin slowly, pace yourself, and take breaks as needed. It is a good idea to stretch and warm up your muscles before you start.
- Pick the right shovel. Don’t use a shovel with a short handle that requires you to bend over all the time. Remember a smaller shovel blade requires you to lift less weight and put less strain on your body.
- Push the snow rather than lift it.
- Be careful to lift correctly, staying balanced, bending at the knees and lifting with your legs, not your back. When you are throwing snow, avoid twisting movements and never throw the snow over your shoulder.
- Wear shoes that have good grip. Remember you are working on a surface that can be both uneven and slippery.
- Dress is layers so that you can remove a layer if you warm up.
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Photo: Green Action Centre It may be cold outside, but don’t forget to drink water, before, during, and after shoveling. Dehydration can happen in the winter too!
- Use a snow scoop for large amounts of snow. A loaded scoop glides almost effortlessly over the snow and saves your back from a lot of lifting.
