With the approach of winter, Salt Lake City is taking proactive steps to ensure the air remains as crisp and clean as the snowflakes soon to descend upon the city streets. According to Salt Lake City, city officials have expanded their landscaping equipment exchange initiative to include winter tools. This expansion follows a successful spring program which saw hundreds of gas-powered items replaced with electric alternatives.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated, "We’re providing residents with the tools they need to immediately improve their neighborhood’s air quality." She said, as per Salt Lake City, "We must keep reducing emissions, and municipalities are important actors in leading the charge." The mayor's words underpin a determined stride to continue transforming Salt Lake City into a beacon of sustainability.
The exchange program, which is part of the 'Clean Air SLC' initiative, allows residents to turn in their gas-powered snow blowers, shovels, or leaf blowers in exchange for vouchers to acquire electric versions of these tools. As reported, these gas-powered machines pack a hefty punch in terms of air pollution; with a single hour of usage from a gas-powered snow blower being equivalent to the emissions from a 908-mile car trip.
"For years, we’ve heard that Salt Lake City residents would like the City to offer a snow blower exchange," said Debbie Lyons, Director of Salt Lake City’s Department of Sustainability, as obtained by Salt Lake City. She is hopeful to also see cost savings along with the clean air benefits, which is a welcome addition to any environmental initiative. Residents interested in participating in the exchange program can apply online and those selected will receive vouchers redeemable at specified local hardware stores.
The move to swap out polluting wintertime yard equipment is built on the gains from an earlier program that focused on warm-weather equipment. This past spring, the exchange program led to the recycling of over 700 gas-powered items, translating into an annual reduction of approximately 5,869 pounds of air pollutants, as highlighted by the City Council's funding decision. The running theme here is clear, when it comes to air quality, every season brings a new opportunity for improvement.
