Kirkland is making noise with its latest eco-friendly effort, offering residents a $100 voucher to ditch their gas-powered leaf blowers. Those looking to trade in their polluting yard tools for a cleaner, electric version can hit up the North Kirkland Community Center next Saturday. Vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and can be used at select local businesses, the city announced this week.

Mayor Kelli Curtis is pushing the initiative as part of Kirkland’s broader push for sustainability. “Switching to electric leaf blowers will reduce emissions in Kirkland and protect the health of community members, and landscape workers. We sure hope folks will take advantage of this great opportunity,” Curtis said in a statement. To get a voucher, residents need to show they live in the area with a utility bill or ID and need their gas blower free of oil, and gas.

The deal is part of a wider crackdown on gas-guzzling garden gear in Kirkland. The City Council kick-started the Electric Leaf Blower Initiative last year, setting out a timeline to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers over three years. The move includes outfitting city departments with electric alternatives, and working with local businesses to support the transition.

People who want to participate will have to stay in their cars and follow the drive-through setup at the Community Center. Kirkland staff and volunteers will retrieve gas-powered leaf blowers stashed in the trunk, simplifying the swap. Those not keen on upgrading can still recycle their old equipment. “This event is also an opportunity to recycle old, unwanted gas blowers. Receiving a voucher towards an electric blower is optional,” the city’s press release stated.

This Saturday, the spotlight is on Kirkland, as the city turns over a new leaf towards a cleaner, quieter future. Residents have the chance to cut the cord with the past, save some green, and take a step closer to greener pastures with every discarded gas-powered leaf blower.