May 6, 2025. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) and the Washoe County School District (WCSD) officially launched their Lawn & Garden Exchange Project, a collaboration to help local schools transition from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment to cleaner electric versions.
Thanks to a $250,000 donation from the NNPH Air Quality Management Division (AQMD), through its District Board of Health, WCSD was able to transition gas-powered lawn and garden equipment to electric alternatives, which includes:
- 72 mowers
- 63 backpack blowers
- 41 string trimmers
- 38 handheld blowers
- 29 edgers
- four hedge trimmers
- two chainsaws
In total, about 25 percent of WCSD’s gas-powered equipment will be replaced with electric versions.
“We’re proud of the Lawn & Garden Exchange Project and its success in improving air quality in Northern Nevada,” said Francisco Vega, Division Director for AQMD. “The collaboration with the School District was very gratifying and we are excited at the impact this project will have for the students and our community.”
Said Joseph M. Ernst, Superintendent of Schools, Washoe County School District, “The Lawn & Garden Exchange Project is a fantastic initiative that aligns well with our commitment to sustainability and environmental education. By transitioning to electric lawn and garden equipment, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also providing a healthier and quieter environment for our students and staff. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration between NNPH and WCSD, and we are proud to be part of this positive change.”
The project has many benefits, including:
- Significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions/other pollutants
- Improved air quality for students, teachers and the general public
- Time saving for staff – fewer trips to purchase gasoline
- Less noise – approximately 20 decibels quieter with electric vs. gas-powered
- Cost savings – electric lawn equipment requires less maintenance and has lower operating costs compared to gas-powered tools
NNPH-AQMD chose lawn and garden equipment as a positive way to give back funds coming from DMV Smog Check fees. For example, one gas powered lawnmower, running for one hour, creates the same air pollution as driving a gas-powered vehicle 300 miles. Additionally, one gas powered leaf blower puts out emissions similar to a gas-powered vehicle driving 1,000 miles.
Also, schools were the main consideration for NNPH AQMD, as children are physiologically more vulnerable to air pollution than adults since their brains, lungs and other organs are still developing. In addition, the noise levels can be disruptive.
For more information on NNPH Air Quality Management Division, visit www.OurCleanAir.com.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
Washoe County School District’s promise is to know every student by name, strength and need so they graduate prepared for the future they choose, and we will deliver on this promise in partnership with our families and community. More info can be found here.