The following news release was distributed by San Diego County Board Supervisor Ron Roberts in coordination with the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, Home Depot and SDG&E:
Trim your lawn, trees, bushes and lawn edges, all while cutting your pollution footprint
Looking for that perfect Mothers’ Day gift? County residents can roll their old, gasoline powered lawn mowers and other gas-fueled gardening equipment down to Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, May13, and come away with new, zero-emission models for mom, priced at $99.99 each or $79.99 each, which includes tax.
Available on a first-come, first-serve basis for your favorite mom –or dad, or just you – at the 18th annual “Mowing Down Pollution” Trade-In Event will be 500 new mowers and, for the second year, three other pieces of rechargeable garden equipment that can be exchanged for their gasoline-powered counterparts: a chainsaw, hedge trimmer and string trimer. Priced at $99.99 each last year, the new garden equipment will now cost $79.99 with each exchange. The new mowers are priced at $99.99 with each exchange, a deep discount from the $399 everyday retail price. The discounting is paid for through air pollution fines.
“Since 2000, we have distributed 8,434 rechargeable mowers, removing more than 80,000 pounds of pollutants from our air each year,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts, who started the mower exchange. “I encourage everyone with a gasoline model to come down and join us.”
Switching from gasoline powered garden equipment to rechargeable electric tools is a way individuals can support the fight to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The mowers have been upgraded to the Black & Decker 20 inch Cordless Mower, Model CM 2040, featuring two batteries, one that operates the mower and a second that can be charged up and on standby. Also available for exchange will be 100 each of Black & Decker 12 inch chainsaws (Model LCS1240), B&D 24 inch hedge trimmers (Model LHT2436), and B&D 13 inch string trimmers (Model LST136).
On Tuesday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m., the full array of new, rechargeable lawn and gardening equipment –along with posters with some suggestions on how the rechargeable tools will benefit mom – will be on display during a preview showcase and press conference that will take place on the triangular grass area fronting Friars Road at Qualcomm Stadium. The location, which is also the most western entry into the stadium, is located across Friars Road from the city’s new fire station. Media members will have an opportunity to try out all of the new equipment and see demonstrations.
San Diego Gas & Electric, represented by Senior Vice President John Sowers, will have a Chevrolet Bolt all-electric car at the press conference, and present information on the utility’s leadership in providing electric power from renewable sources. SDG&E also, once again, is sponsoring a display of electric vehicles at Saturday’s Mowing Down Pollution exchange.
Switching from gasoline to a rechargeable mower can drastically reduce pollution levels. Gas-powered machines emit an average of about 10 pounds of air pollution per year, said Robert Kard of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District which oversees the annual exchange. The new, upgraded models emit zero pollution.
The May 13 mower exchange will start at 8 a.m. at Qualcomm Stadium at 9449 Friars Road, 92108. Participants are asked to arrive with their trade-in mowers and other equipment emptied of oil and gas. Photo IDs and proof of San Diego County residency are required. Cash or credit cards only; no checks. One trade-in of each type of device is allowed per household, and the devices must be in working condition. Parking will be plentiful and a food and beverage truck will be on hand to provide coffee and snacks. For more information, visit ronroberts.com.