SCNA has established an ad hoc committee to reduce carbon emissions in the neighborhood through environmentally friendly yard care.
During the May 18 neighborhood yard sale, neighbors are invited to stop by the ad hoc committee’s booth at the north end of Curtis Park at Donner Way and 26th Street between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Members of the ad hoc committee will provide information and answer questions about how pollution and noise from gas-powered equipment can be eliminated with electric or manual yard care.
Demonstrations of electric yard-care equipment will be given by Fresh Air Yard Care, a local all-electric yard-care service, and Stihl, manufacturer of battery operated mowers, blowers, trimmers and edgers, approved as zero-emission by the American Green Zone Alliance. This new equipment uses one battery for all components and has become cost-competitive.
Battery-operated equipment is vastly quieter and cleaner than gas-powered equipment. It also protects the health of garden crews.
The California Air Resources Board has found that one hour operating a gas-powered mower emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving 300 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry. One hour operating a gas-powered leaf blower emits as much pollution as driving 1,100 miles.
Most gas mowers and blowers operate many hours a day. Small engines powered by two-stroke motors emit noxious pollutants, particularly small particulate matter that is especially hazardous to children, equipment operators and those in the vicinity.
If you would like to join the effort to help with this issue, please email Kathy.les321@gmail.com.