Orindans Try Out the Haaga

The folks at Quiet Orinda - they of the anti-leaf blower movement abloom in that city - brought a German made, human-powered sweeper called the Haaga to their informational booth at the Orinda Farmers' Market Saturday.

A few residents took the noiseless sweeper out for a debris run and Quiet Orinda founders Susan and Peter Kendall say the device was a hit with those who tried it.

"We had kids, moms, grandads giving it a push - and instant smiles all around!," Susan Kendall said. and anti-noise groups in general, are hoping widespread use of similar machines can dampen noise caused by widespread use of leaf blowers in our communities.

Assuming it passes muster, Susan and Peter Kendall and Quiet Orinda plan to make their "loaner" model of the sweeper available to other Lamorindans who may be interested in an alternative to gas-powered leaf blowers. 

"Let us know if you'd like us to test in on your patio, driveways, sidewalk, or deck in the coming weeks, so you can see it in action before we return our evaluation unit," Susan says.