Save some green by going green

Rebates of up to $150 are now available for Central Okanagan residents who exchange old gas-powered leaf blowers, lawnmowers, trimmers or chainsaws (two-stroke or four-stroke gas engines) for new, quieter, electric models.

“This program is win-win opportunity as it helps residents replace their existing equipment and improves the air quality in our community,” said Program Coordinator Nancy Mora Castro.

To qualify for a $150 maximum rebate to cover up to 50% of the cost of new equipment, residents must:

1. Provide a purchase receipt for a new leaf blower, lawnmower, trimmer or chainsaw; new electric equipment that achieves these noise rating limits:

• Leaf blowers up to 65 decibels (db)
• Lawnmowers up to 75 decibels (db)
• Noise rating does not apply to chainsaw and hedge trimmers

2. Recycle the old gas-fueled lawn or garden equipment and provide a recycling receipt with their name. Visit rcbc.ca to find a recycling facility near your home.

3. Complete the Lawn Swap: Go Electric online application form.

Rebates are limited to one per household. Funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to Statistics Canada, gas-powered lawn equipment releases about 80,000 tonnes of emissions in Canada annually, using 151 million litres of gas. Residents can  stay informed on local air quality conditions by checking real-time PM_2.5 data, downloading the AQHI Canada app or using the Low-cost sensor project's map.

For more information, visit the Lawn Swap: Go Electric page at rdco.com/lawnswap.  The RDCO Air Quality Program helps protect and improve the region's air through education, awareness and pollution prevention programs.