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Snowmobiles would be totally sweet if it wasn’t for the noise and the pollution. Did you know that one snowmobile--of a particular dubious type I suspect--operating for one hour may emit as much pollution as 100 cars do in the same amount of time? That’s a pretty good reason not to use one. Here are some other reasons.
- Pollution
Snowmobiles generate a ton of CO2 emissions. Off-road vehicles are held to looser standards than regular cars and truck. Just look at the aforementioned tidbit of information about the copious amounts of CO2 they expend. Many off-road vehicles aren’t used for anything but pure leisure, yet they pollute more than the cars and trucks we depend on for utility. That’s kind of irresponsible. So unless you are a rescue worker combing the tundra for lost hikers, a northern-living person who keeps a snowmobile only in case of blizzards and other such acts of God or James Bond thwarting a plot to destroy the world, you probably don’t need a snowmobile.
- Health:
Snowmobiles can cause health problems to the riders and to those who have to listen to their cacophonous racket. From the Montana State Government “ Studies have shown hearing loss for persons subjected to 73 decibels for 8 hours per day over 40 years, or for exposures to 85 decibels over a shorter number of years. A February 2000 Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) study in Yellowstone National Park showed that toll booth workers were exposed to average noise levels of 88 decibels over an 8-hour work day while patrol rangers were exposed to a 93 decibel average noise level.”Snowmobiling isn’t a victimless crime. “What about the ranger, Yogi?” Indeed.
- Animals and Nature:
Snowmobiles can disrupt the habitats of wintering animals. It can change the path of wild herd animals. Animals have it rough in the winter time. There isn’t much food for them to eat. If a rabbit or a deer has to run from a snowmobile, they might not have the energy to run from a predator or even enough energy to find food.
More on Eco-Friendly Winter Fun
Your Cross Country Ski Trip
The 10 Best and Worst Ski Destinations for the Eco-Conscious Skier
Take a Dog Sled Tour
Travel the great outdoors far and near with hip eco-friendly gear and learn the lowest impact ways of getting to your destinations with Planet Green Travel & Outdoors.
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