A big push to ensure gardeners, property owners and residents are in compliance with an ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers was held Tuesday in South Pasadena’s Garfield Park as discount incentive programs were presented in and effort to make electric models more affordable.
South Pasadena City Council member Michael Cacciotti, a longtime environmentalist and key figure in the movement for battery-operated over the use of fuel, was joined by Dan Mabe, founder of the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), as both talked about ways the public, with an emphasis on gardeners, can save significantly through two popular discount programs.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), in which Cacciotti serves as vice chair, and the California Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) recognize the switch to electric can be pricey and have taken steps to lower costs.
“We continue to look at ways to implement incentive programs to support the growth of zero emission technologies as we protect the environment and public health,” explained Cacciotti, noting that the SCAQMD is responsible for reducing air pollution for most of Southern California, serving four major counties – Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange.
Cacciotti likes to point out that South Pasadena was the first AGZA certified city in the United States, meaning that all grounds on municipal properties, whether it be mowing, blowing, edging, hedging, trimming and sawing, all be done with low-noise zero-emission battery-electric equipment and manual tools.
Mabe explained that Tuesday’s event was one of about 10 South Pasadena outreach efforts “to make sure that all the residents and proprietors that provide lawn and garden services are informed, not only of the ban, but the resources that exist to help people get into the battery-electric equipment at a substantial discount,” he said.
As outlined in a flyer created by the City of South Pasadena on the topic, to take advantage of the SCAQMD program:
- Visit a participating retailer listed online.
- Select equipment with retailer assistance.
- Submit a voucher with the retailer and wait for approval.
- Turn in your old gas-powered equipment to the retailer.
- Purchase your new discounted electric equipment from the retailer.
And this is where Cacciotti likes to point out the cost-cutting measures. The SCAQMD program provides up to 85 percent off the purchase price (scrapping of comparable gas/diesel powered lawn equipment required).
For more information, visit: AQMD.gov/LawnGarden
In similar fashion, the CORE program makes it equally as easy:
- Select your equipment from the online catalog.
- Contact eligible dealers listed in the catalog.
- Submit a voucher with the dealer and wait for approval.
- Purchase your discounted electric equipment from the dealer.
The CORE program provides up to 70 percent off the purchase price (no scrapping of gas/diesel powered equipment required).
For more information, visit CaliforniaCore.org
South Pasadena city officials, as illustrated in the flyer, say: “Toxic pollutants from gas-powered leaf blowers cause health issues including dizziness, asthma attacks, headaches and heart and lung disease for both operators and bystanders.”
Further, it reads: One hour of gas-powered leaf blower use equals driving 1,100 miles or San Diego to Portland.
“Emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to air pollution and climate change,” was the clear message from the City of South Pasadena, which now has a new motto, “No Gas, South Pas!” when it comes to protecting the health of its citizens.
In that same flyer, reads: “As the property owner or tenant, you are responsible for ensuring compliance. Use an alternative such as a rake, broom, or electric leaf blower.
AGZA has certified large number cities across the country, and its founder always enjoys coming back to South Pasadena where it all began in 2015, as the city became the first Green Zone. Mabe estimates through the use of electric equipment, it prevents the creation of 31 tons of pollutants in South Pasadena every year.
“South Pasadena has taken the approach of one of outreach, resources and patience, making sure that small business – independent gardeners – is not harmed while trying to create a more peaceful environment for its community,” said Mabe.
The post Electric Leaf Blower Demonstration Held in South Pasadena first appeared on The South Pasadenan | South Pasadena News.
