Sweet Orange

Operating a [gas powered] lawn mower for one hour produces as much pollution as driving a car 93 miles.–Mother Earth News

With the above quote in mind and the fact that gas mowers can be extremely noisy, you might consider taking advantage of the South Coast Air Quality Management district’s lawn mower exchange program. Of course, a manual mower would reduce the air and noise pollution even more. But if you are just not willing to go there, an electric mower could be an answer. If you live in the South Coast AQMD district, you qualify to exchange your gas lawn mower for a cordless rechargeable electric mower at a discounted price.

Here is what is being offered:

• The 14″ Neuton® (24v), which has a retail value of $400, can be purchased for $100.
• The 19″ Neuton® (36v), which has a retail value of $495, can be purchased for $160.
• The 19″ Black & Decker (24v), which has a retail value of $350, can be purchased for $100.
• The 19″ Black & Decker (36v), which has a retail value of $445, can be purchased for $160.
• The Black&Decker 19″ self-propelled mower, which has a retail value of $699, can be purchased for $230.
  Note: For more detailed information on each model, go to http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/lawnmower-registration.html.

Eligibility as written on the South County AQMD website is as follows:

• You must be a resident living within AQMD’s 4-county jurisdiction, which includes all of Orange County, most of Los Angeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley), almost all of Riverside County, and the non-desert portion of San Bernardino County.  You will be asked to show proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) when you come to exchange your mower.
• You must turn in a working gas mower.
• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must pre-register for one of the exchange events and have the reservation form showing your reservation number for that event.
• At the exchange event, you must pay $100, $160 or $230 depending on the model you choose. (Cash, Check, or Major Credit Cards Accepted).
• There is a limit of one mower per residence.

Upcoming exchange dates and locations are:

• Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on October 8
• Norco College in Norco on October 22

Note: Pre-registration is required. For more details or to register, go to http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/lawnmower.html, or call 1-888-425-6247 (Tuesday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm).