2026 Clean Energy and EV Fair Sponsors

Check out our exhibitors and sponsors for special discounts available only to fair attendees!

Terawatt Sponsors

Cascadia Community Energy connects Oregon households and businesses to local solar farms, eliminating the barriers that have historically prevented many people from participating in renewable energy. As an approved subscription manager in the Oregon Community Solar Program, we operate within the state-regulated framework to make the benefits of going solar accessible to customers of PGE and Pacific Power. For too long, most people have been sidelined from accessing the benefits of clean solar energy due to factors like renting, cost, or roof limitations. Community solar provides a simple and equitable alternative, allowing anyone with an eligible utility account to choose clean energy with no upfront cost and no sign up fees. With availability to residential and commercial alike – everyone can access solar power and save.
EC Electric is proud to support the upcoming Lake Oswego Sustainability Fair, highlighting our role as a trusted leader in electrical contracting across the Pacific Northwest. Our core business spans commercial, industrial, and residential electrical services, where we deliver safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that power communities and businesses alike. From modern infrastructure projects to tailored electrical service work, we bring decades of expertise and a reputation for quality craftsmanship. While we continue to advance clean energy initiatives—including transportation electrification and EV charger installations—our foundation remains in providing comprehensive electrical contracting that strengthens local resilience and supports a sustainable future. At EC Electric, we are committed to being a top‑tier preferred partner for both traditional and emerging energy needs.
Stark Street Lawn & Garden helps Oregon take care of the spaces that matter, from backyard lawns to large commercial properties. As Oregon’s largest independent outdoor power equipment dealer, we bring together leading equipment, six locations, extensive parts support, and one of the region’s largest service operations.

Visit our table to experience what’s next in outdoor power: the latest battery technology and robotic mowers built for everything from small residential lawns to large-acreage properties. Come see how far the technology has come, ask questions, and find the right solution for your property.

Gigawatt Sponsors

Birdsmouth is a nationally recognized leader in high-performance building and design. They specialize in Passive House, Zero-Energy and Low-Carbon new homes, ADU’s and remodels. All of their projects are designed to last for generations, have unmatched air quality, and are healthy to live in. Designed and built to be resilient to power outages, smoke events, heat domes and cold snaps, a Birdsmouth home is extremely comfortable, quiet, and requires less maintenance than a legacy building.

Birdsmouth designs and builds homes future-proofed against rising energy costs without sacrificing beauty and craftsmanship. Birdsmouth Design-Build is proud to be a Certified B Corporation with a mission of “Addressing Climate Change Through the Built Environment”.

An eight-time winner of the US DOE ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Award, GreenSavers usually start with an energy audit where they go top-to-bottom in evaluating how your home uses and loses energy. They follow up with an energy consultation to break down the costs, cash incentives, and tax credits for home energy upgrades, such as adding insulation, upgrading HVAC, or replacing windows.

They can help you come up with a plan for heat pumps for space heating and cooling and for water heating, efficient windows, or new insulation that spreads out the work over several years to maximize cash rebates and tax credits. They can even take your house to net zero!

Schedule: You can schedule a Home Energy Consultation anytime at: https://bit.ly/46XXh0Y

Bonus: Use the code, LISAADATTO when you contact GreenSavers to set up the consultation. If you use the code and then complete a project of $2,500 or more, GreenSavers will donate $200 to LOSN.

GreenSavers is the leader in home electrification retrofits in Oregon. As a full service home energy efficiency contractor, they offer multiple ways to save energy in your home including:

  • Weatherization (insulation, air sealing, and duct sealing)
  • High Efficiency HVAC (ducted or ductless heat pumps for home heating and cooling)
  • High Efficiency Water Heaters (tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters)
  • Windows & Doors (Energy Star certified, vinyl, wood, and fiberglass)
  • Solar Panels & Battery Backup (feasibility study, rooftop array, and you’ll own your panels outright)
  • Electric Panel Upgrades (comprehensive assessment of current and future power needs)
  • EV Charging Station (scoping, permitting, installation, and incentive processing)
  • End-to-end Project Management. GreenSavers coordinates all permitting, subcontractors, processing and administration of incentives
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Stop by the The Heat Pump Store table at the Lake Oswego Electric Home & Vehicle Fair on September 28 to learn more and to pick up a coupon for $200 off the installation of a heat pump.

They are Passionate about Heat Pumps

They are passionate about heat pumps and are committed to bringing the best inverter heat pump technology to the Pacific NW, helping homes and businesses save energy and money while enjoying greater comfort!

They Offer a Range of Manufacturers & Products

They offer a range of manufacturers and products so that they can offer you the best heat pump solutions for your home or business!

They Stand Behind Their Work

They believe that quality equipment, materials, and workmanship matter.

They Believe in the Benefits of this Amazing Technology

They believe that everyone should have access to the benefits of this amazing technology, and they are excited to help you with any project no matter how large or small.

They are Locally Owned and Operated

They are proud to be a local woman-owned and operated business.

STIHL is pleased to participate in the Lake Oswego Clean Energy and EV Fair. STIHL is an innovator and leader in manufacturing battery landscaping equipment. STIHL offers a wide range of battery-powered tools to fit the needs of demanding homeowners and pros alike. STIHL battery tools are engineered with maximum power and performance in mind, so you can get more done On A Single Charge™.

The STIHL battery product line features multiple tiers of performance, so you can find the right family of products for your needs. STIHL battery tools offer you the power, convenience, and ability to get the job done without any compromise in performance against gas-powered products.

Here are some of the landscaping tools that STIHL offers:

BGA 60 Battery Powered Blower will be in the drawing at the Clean Energy Fair to win one of three battery blowers. It is the most powerful blower in the STIHL AK System that combines excellent blowing force with low noise and features designed for user comfort.

  • GTA 26 | Gardening Tools – The GTA 26 is a versatile battery-powered garden pruner that offers high cutting performance, power, and precision in a lightweight handheld tool.
  • SEA 20 | Vacuums – The battery-powered SEA 20 handheld vacuum brings the power of STIHL into the home, car, or anywhere else you need easy cleanup on the go.
  • SHA 56 | Blowers & Shredder Vacs – The SHA 56 is a versatile 2-in-1 tool that offers the convenience of a blower and shredder vac in an easy-to-use package.
  • KMA 80 R | Multi-Task Tools – The KMA 80 R takes on a variety of tasks with up to 14 optional attachments. This tool offers the versatility to suit any professional or homeowner’s needs.

We encourage you to find out what you can accomplish On a Single Charge™ with STIHL battery products!

Interested in learning more about STIHL products? Find more information at stihlusa.com.

Megawatt Sponsors

Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical is a local, family-owned company serving Oregon homeowners since 2013. We specialize in efficient HVAC and water-heating solutions, including heat pumps, ductless systems, and heat pump water heaters.

Come visit our booth at the Lake Oswego Electric Home and Vehicle Fair to explore your options, ask questions, and learn how electrification could benefit your home, and take advantage of our exclusive event promotion.

Your home, comfort priorities, and budget are unique—and your HVAC solution should be too.

At Best Owner Direct, we take the time to understand what each customer wants and needs before recommending equipment. Our goal is to provide options that reduce energy waste and operating costs while delivering the best possible year-round comfort—without relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

As a PGE-approved contractor and Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally, our team can also help homeowners understand available incentives for qualifying improvements. From selecting the right equipment through completing a quality installation, we are committed to delivering the solution as promised—and making it right if something falls short.

Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical company logo
The City of Lake Oswego is working to build a more sustainable, resilient community through initiatives that work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and support a healthy environment. Stop by the City’s booth to meet staff and members of the Sustainability Advisory Board, learn about current sustainability and climate initiatives, ask questions, share your ideas, and discover ways to get involved in creating a more sustainable Lake Oswego.
Climate Solutions is a nonprofit organization working to accelerate clean energy solutions to the climate crisis. We have a vision for a thriving, equitable Northwest, powered by clean energy, which inspires the transition to sustainable prosperity across the nation and beyond. We work across the Pacific NW to advance this vision by championing transformational policy, innovative market-based solutions and by communicating our bold vision to communities and decision makers. We work across sectors to advance clean buildings, clean transportation, clean industry, and clean energy to power it all!

Stop by our table to hear about the progress our region is making, the work we still have to do, and how you can get involved. Or just stop by for stickers to rep your support for clean energy solutions!

Conduit Electric is a family-owned, licensed, and bonded electrical contractor based in Tualatin, proudly serving the Portland metro area since 1996. We help homeowners prepare their homes for the future with safe, reliable electrical solutions that support today’s clean energy technologies.

Whether you’re installing an EV charger, upgrading to a heat pump, replacing your electrical panel, or planning a home remodel, our experienced team can ensure your electrical system is ready. We work with homeowners and other clean energy professionals to make home electrification simple, efficient, and built to last.

Our services include:

  • Electrical panel and service upgrades
  • EV charger installation
  • Heat pump and mini-split circuit installation
  • Heat pump water heater and dryer wiring
  • Home energy monitor installation
  • LED lighting upgrades
  • Residential and commercial electrical service and remodeling
  • Heat pump dryer circuit installation

Visit our booth to discuss your project, ask questions, and schedule a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll help you find the right electrical solution for your home and your clean energy goals.

Special Fair Offer: Mention the Lake Oswego Clean Energy and EV Fair when you schedule your first appointment and receive $50 off.

Valid for new residential customers. One offer per household. Cannot be combined with other discounts.

Electrify Now is a volunteer organization helping homeowners and energy consumers to understand the amazing benefits of modern electric technologies which make our homes safer and more comfortable with lower operating costs and dramatically lower air and carbon pollution. At our table you will find information to help you take action to electrify your own home.
Electrify Oregon is a network of over 20 organizations in Oregon working to move homes onto clean energy.

‍Our mission is to educate and inspire friends, neighbors, and community members across Oregon to electrify their homes and vehicles. We envision a clean-energy future that’s powered by electrification.

We engage and empower residents with information, motivation, and a sense of community support through:

  • Electric Coaching – We offer free one-on-one coaching for homeowners & renters on their electrification journey.
  • Education & Outreach – We host talks, participate in sustainability fairs, curate contractor information, table at public events & distribute yard signs
  • Advocacy – We support local and state policy change campaigns, engage in public testimony, educate leaders, etc.

Stop by our table at the Lake Oswego Clean Energy and EV Fair and explore electrification solutions for renters.

Elemental Energy is a locally owned leader in Pacific Northwest residential and commercial solar and battery design. With over 15 years of local experience, our team knows exactly how to make Oregon homes energy independent. Come visit our booth to learn how to lower your utility bills, tap into newly expanded local incentives, or keep your lights on during a storm with a smart home battery. Sign up for a free site evaluation at our booth and receive an exclusive $750 discount on your new solar or storage system!
HomeRx is a family-owned insulation and energy services company with a decade of improving the comfort and energy efficiency of Oregon homes. Trusted for their expertise and outstanding service, they have 4.9 stars on Google from over 200 reviews.

Visit their booth at the Lake Oswego Electric Home and Vehicle Fair to learn more and to schedule a FREE home assessment.

HomeRx Insulation Maximizes Your Electrification Investment.

Start your energy efficiency efforts with an assessment of your insulation and air seal. To waste less energy and get the biggest bang for your buck, ensure a building envelope that maintains a comfortable environment without unnecessary strain on your mechanical devices.

Now is a great time to upgrade your insulation. As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, they can help you access cash incentives to make it easier to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Current incentives can save you up to $1.50 per square foot*. (Conditions apply. Visit energytrust.org for details). They help you make the most of the incentives for which you qualify.

Power Northwest is Portland’s top solar installer and a Certified Benefit Corporation. Their mission is to “Transition our community to renewable energy”. They believe in Happy Homeowners, Enriched Employees, and a Clean Environment. Winners of the national 2026 Solar Games competitor, Power Northwest can officially claim the title of #1 solar installation crew in the country. Whether you are looking to lower your electricity costs, reduce your environmental impact or protect yourself from outages, Power Northwest has the home solar and battery storage solutions you’re looking for.

Come visit Power Northwest at the Lake Oswego Electric Home show to earn up to $1,000 off your solar or battery project.

Resilient Retrofits upgrades older Portland-area homes so they’re comfortable year-round and cheaper to run. We install heat pumps, insulation and air sealing, home EV chargers, and the electrical work behind all of it. As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, we handle the incentive paperwork ourselves. Stop by the table with a photo of your furnace or electrical panel. Kyle will give you a straight answer on what a heat pump would take in your house and what the rebates cover. Fair attendees get $1,000 off a heat pump installation.
Full-Service Renovation Management

Strata helps homeowners confidently navigate electrification upgrades and home renovations from early planning through completion. We help you prioritize improvements, evaluate options, establish a budget, select qualified contractors, review proposals, coordinate the work, and make informed decisions along the way.

Whether you are considering a heat pump, induction cooking, an electrical panel upgrade, solar, EV charging, or a larger renovation, Strata serves as your experienced advocate and consistent point of contact. You remain informed and in control without having to personally manage every detail.

Stop by the Strata table to schedule a free in-home consultation and receive 25% off our project management fee.

Since 2010, hundreds of homeowners and business owners have trusted Sunbridge Solar to be the go-to solar installer providing them with the resources and knowledge they need in order to achieve their sustainable and financial goals. They believe an informed decision is the best decision. That is why they frequently update their solar resource center and take pride to be a “low-pressure” solar provider.

Stop by the Sunbridge Solar table to schedule a free solar consultation and receive $750 off your installation.

Check out Lake Oswego’s newest sustainable school

A Sustainability Tour of the New Lake Oswego Middle School

Photo of the Lake Oswego Middle School cafeteria

Members of the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network Schools Action Team recently toured the newly constructed Lake Oswego Middle School and learned how sustainability has been thoughtfully integrated throughout the campus.

The school’s design was shaped by extensive research into the material, cultural and ecological histories of the site and surrounding community. From colors, patterns and textures to native plants and natural materials, the building reflects and celebrates the unique character of our region.

Building on Lake Oswego School District’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, the school incorporates a high-performance building envelope, passive cooling, rooftop solar panels, smart stormwater management and biophilic design elements that connect students with nature. Sustainable transportation is supported through ample bicycle, skateboard and EV-ready parking.

Photo of the Lake Oswego Middle School grounds and basedball field

Inside, student well-being and energy efficiency go hand in hand. Spaces are designed to support their intended use, with calming blue tones in music rooms and other thoughtful design elements throughout the building. Smart window indicators and a highly efficient wind-turbine ventilation system help maintain a comfortable, healthy indoor environment. Classrooms feature hearing-assistance technology, collaborative learning spaces and accessibility-focused amenities, including a life skills classroom and a dedicated Zen room.

Photo of the Lake Oswego Middle School greenhouse and garden

The campus itself serves as a living example of environmental stewardship. Rain gardens collect and filter runoff before it infiltrates into underground vaults beneath the parking lot, while native meadows, gardens and a greenhouse provide hands-on opportunities for environmental learning.

Solar panels cover much of the roof and are designed to generate enough electricity to power the entire building, further reducing the school’s environmental footprint and supporting district sustainability goals.

The new Lake Oswego Middle School demonstrates how sustainability, student wellness, accessibility and community identity can be seamlessly integrated into a modern learning environment—one that not only educates students but also models a more sustainable future.

Announcing the 2026 Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Awardees

This year marks the third year that LOSN has bestowed the Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Award of $1,000 to a graduating senior at each of our two high schools. We are pleased to recognize Julianna Cahill from Lakeridge High School and Auveen Shafaei from Lake Oswego High School as our 2026 recipients. Congratulations!!

LOSN established the Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Award in 2024 in memory of Mary Ratcliff and as a way to recognize high school graduates who have already contributed to sustainability and have a vision of how they would like to do so in the future.

Mary Ratcliff was a founding member of LOSN and longtime board members of LOSN and the Oswego Lake Watershed Council who passed away unexpectedly in 2023.  Mary lived her entire life with a commitment to taking care of the earth. She devoted her time to educating our community to adopt sustainable practices from natural landscaping to the elimination of fossil fuels. She worked tirelessly to find solutions to make this earth more sustainable.

Juliana Cahill, Lakeridge High School Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Awardee

Photo of Juliana Cahill, Lakeridge High School Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Awardee“Receiving the Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Award is such an honor, and I’m proud to say I’ve positively impacted Lake Oswego’s sustainability in a recognizable way. In the near future, I will study Environmental Sciences at the Oregon State University Honors College as a Presidential Scholar, and I hope to continue creating meaningful change that benefits climate and human health outcomes well into my future.”

Julianna’s Contributions to Sustainability

      • Served as Lakeridge High School Green Team President and volunteered for three years as a student representative at the Lake Oswego Sustainability Fair.
      • Partnered with the Lake Oswego Watershed Council to organize and lead campus ivy pull restoration events.
      • Represented student voices at community sustainability events, including the City’s “Gas to Grid” event and the inaugural Our Future Oregon Green Team Summit.
      • Moderated the Lake Oswego Sustainability and Equity City Council Candidate Forum, facilitating discussion between candidates and community members.

Auveen Shafaei, Lake Oswego High School Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Awardee

Photo of Auveen Shafaei, Lake Oswego High School Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Awardee

“I am so honored to have been chosen for the Mary Ratcliff Sustainability Award! It was a very wonderful surprise.  I look forward to continuing making an impact in college!”

Auveen’s Contributions to Sustainability

  • Helped establish a sustainability-focused position within the Lake Oswego High School Associated Student Body, creating a lasting voice for environmental issues in student leadership.
  • Advocated for climate education by speaking with state legislators in support of a climate education bill that was later passed into law.
  • Earned national recognition for her climate action proposal and contributed to climate education initiatives that reached students beyond her school.
  • Led the Thread Forward clothing campaign and swap, raising awareness about the environmental impacts of fast fashion and promoting sustainable choices.

 

 

Lake Oswego School District Adopts New Strategic Plan

On June 8, the Lake Oswego School Board adopted a new strategic plan that will provide the district’s direction for the next five years.  Lake Oswego Sustainability Network’s School Action Team was active in the process and providing recommendations. We are pleased to say that sustainability has remained an important part of the plan. It is one of the four identified conditions of success along with Belonging and Inclusivity; Health and Resiliency; and Innovation and Technology.

At a high level, LOSD has committed to decisions being guided by an equity lens and a sustainability lens. The Sustainability lens was developed by the Board-appointed Sustainability Advisory Committee several years ago.

The plan also includes:

Improvement commitments:

  • Integrate sustainability into operations and resource use
  • Integrate environmental learning into existing instruction and student experiences
  • Promote responsible stewardship of resources

 Indicators:

  • Operational Data: Sustainability practices in facilities, transportation and resource use
  • Student Participation: Participation in sustainability-related learning and       activities
  • Implementation Data: Integration of sustainability practices across schools and programs

Initiatives the district has identified for the first year with respect to sustainability:

  • Launch a climate-focused professional learning program and support participating teachers in implementing sustainability-connected lessons
  • Implement volunteer-supported lunch composting programs in all elementary schools
  • Establish baseline measures and public reporting on energy use, waste reduction and participation in sustainability initiatives

LOSN is excited to continue to work with the school district to support sustainability in its education and practices.

Help Support LOSD Sustainability Professional Development

The Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) wants to train all of their teachers in sustainability education. The online training, Subject to Climate, equips teachers to implement sustainability concepts into subject areas that they already teach.

In order to start this project, two teachers from each school will train, create lessons that integrate with their current units of study, meet, and create a hub of lessons for the rest of the teachers to use.

There is no budget for this professional development, but there is a lot of enthusiasm among teachers. The training costs $250 per teacher. The Lake Oswego Schools Foundation is managing the funds. We invite you to donate any amount to help get this project off the ground.

  Support climate education  

Upcoming Sustainability Events

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts: Nature Rubbings Discovery Zone

Saturday, June 27 | 12 – 2 pm
George Rogers Park Youth Tent, Lake Oswego

Join LOSN for a youth activity called Nature Rubbings Discovery Zone. Kids can explore the textures of nature by creating their own leaf and bark rubbings using crayons, pencils and paper. Along the way, we’ll help identify different leaves and tree bark, connecting the activity to a deeper understanding of our urban forest.

It’s a fun, hands-on way to spark curiosity, creativity and knowledge—plus each child takes home their own nature-inspired artwork!

You can also see the LOSN Waste Reduction Team in action in the Food Cart area of the Festival of the Arts from noon to 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, to learn about food composting and general recycling and waste reduction information.

Electrify Portland! Home Electrification Fair

Visit the Electrify Portland! Home Electrification Fair on Saturday, June 27th from 11am to 3pm at the Redd.

  Get your free tickets  

With energy prices going up, it pays to power your home with renewable energy. Plus, it’s the biggest single climate action you can take! Learn how to upgrade your home and say goodbye to fossil fuels at this free, family-friendly home electrification fair. PLUS FREE ICE CREAM!

Electrify Portland! is your one-stop shop for exploring high-efficiency heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, solar, EVs and more—all with the guidance of trusted local contractors who specialize in home electrification. Hosted by ElectrifyPDX.

What the City of Lake Oswego Is Doing

City of Lake Oswego Park and Recreation equipment and staff

Park and Recreation Department

Submitted by Jeff Munro, Deputy Director

The City of Lake Oswego has already taken important steps to eliminate gas-powered equipment from its contracted landscape services for 200 city-owned sites and has replaced much of the gas-powered equipment used by Parks and Public Works.

The Parks Department’s transition to electric tools aligns with our dedication to maintaining beautiful parks while being kind to our earth and environment. We have added all types of electric equipment including blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, push mowers, riding mowers, utility vehicles, and a new Ford F-150 that can power up equipment in the field. Our Parks Multiple Site Landscape Contract also requires that the contractor that maintains some of our facilities & parks only use electric equipment to perform their maintenance tasks.

Our commitment to Sustainability is powering our parks with electric tools and vehicles that reduce emissions and minimize our carbon footprint. The Parks Department will continue to integrate this electric initiative into daily practice and continue to source new equipment and battery types along with continuing with the City Council’s goals on climate and sustainability practices with fleet policies.

Public Works Department

The Public Works Department has had an electric contract with STORM Landscape Services since 2021.

STORM Landscape Services is a commercial landscape company that has 6 crews that are all electric. In a recent interview, Randy Mihaldo shared details about his work with the City and his transition to electric landscaping equipment. Read the full story…

 

 

​

Transitioning to Electric Landscaping Equipment: A Case Study with Mountain Park HOA

Mountain Park HOA

Submitted by Tod Blankenship, Director of Landscape Stewardship

I personally have been researching and purchasing small battery equipment for over 10 years. When I was with the City of Wilsonville, I began spearheading a transition to Stihl battery-powered small equipment. Stihl has long been a champion of landscape equipment. When it comes to committing to battery-powered equipment there are many factors to be considered beyond the craftsmanship and reliability of the tool itself. It is also a commitment to batteries and chargers. Stihl has been at the forefront of battery technology, and it was an easy decision for us.

Mountain Park HOA (MPHOA) Landscape Stewardship Division has purchased nearly all of the Stihl commercial battery-powered tools available. When it comes to the replacement of any light equipment we will purchase a battery option if available. We have found most of the items suit our needs as long as we have plenty of extra batteries. The disappointment has been the limited backpack blower options.  A new Stihl electric backpack blower is now available and we plan on buying 5 additional blowers this year.  We have also purchased (2) Westward electric low-speed vehicles for use on the road and throughout our 9 miles of trails.   ​
Pruning a hedge

The Electrification Movement Is Spreading Across Oregon

April 2024

It’s Clean, It’s Quiet, It’s Healthy

Electrify Your Landscaping and Healthy Yard Care

The Lake Oswego Sustainability Network is launching a campaign to support healthy yard care practices and the transition away from gas-powered landscaping equipment (GPLE). Gas-powered landscaping equipment causes significant air and noise pollution that negatively impacts workers, neighborhoods, habitat, and health of the soil.

The campaign will contribute to the achievement of the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan goals by supporting the reduction of air and noise pollution in the community. It will include citywide mailers, newsletters, social media, website informational content, letter writing campaigns, and public events.

In this Issue:

  • Reasons to eliminate the use of Gas-powered Landscaping Equipment
  • The Advantages of Electric
  • Healthy Yard Care
  • Residential Solutions
  • What the City of Lake Oswego is doing
  • Case Study – Mountain Park HOA
  • Portland Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
  • Education and Training – American Green Zone Alliance
  • How you can help
  • Additional resources
  • Electrify Oregon

Reasons to Eliminate the Use of Gas-Powered Landscaping Equipment

Gas-powered landscaping equipment is responsible for significant air and noise pollution. Operators of this equipment can be particularly affected. Many types of hand-held landscaping equipment use 2-stroke engines, which are the worst offenders.

Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

EXTREME NOISE

Because it is low-frequency and high-decibel, the noise of a gas-powered blower is significantly louder than an electric one. It permeates walls and negatively impacts up to 90 surrounding homes. The noise contributes to hearing loss, hypertension, and stress.

HEALTH RISKS

2-stroke engines burn a mixture of gasoline and oil, and they produce exhaust fumes laden with high levels of benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde, and fine particulates, all of which are known carcinogens and associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological harm.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Their toxic waste and smog-forming emissions harm ecosystems and contribute to the climate crisis. Gas leaf blowers create up to 200-mph wind force which sends dust that can contain pollen, mold, animal feces, heavy metals, and chemicals from herbicides and pesticides into the air.


The Advantages of Electric

Electric landscaping  tools are clean, quiet, safe and convenient. They cost less to operate than their gas counterparts.  Used in conjunction with healthy landscaping practices, they are better for the health of the landscapers, the neighborhood, and the environment.  Today’s electric tools are  powerful enough to handle even the biggest jobs.

Some advantages of electric tools:

  • Instant start: no pulling cords, priming engines etc.
  • Excellent cutting, blowing and trimming power
  • Long run times and easy battery swap outs
  • Multiple tools can use the same batteries
  • No refilling fuel tanks, engine oil and gas cans
  • No replacing spark plugs, air filters and fuel filters

Healthy Yard Care

Using electric yard care equipment is important, but how you use that equipment is even more important.  We need to think of our yards as natural living systems.

These systems include a variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, all working together to promote a robust landscape.

Let’s look at some examples:

Lawn Mowers
It’s great to use a quiet, clean electric lawn mower, but what happens when you follow up with an application of artificial fertilizer?  Organisms in the soil are killed by the chemicals.  The natural process that allows worms and soil microorganisms to flourish and naturally support plant growth is lost.  These organisms are providing natural fertilizers and releasing nutrients that support plant growth.  The natural system is destroyed.

Leaf Blowers
It is great to eliminate the noise, but what happens when all of the leaves are removed from the soil?  That material that feeds the soil is lost and the complex system of insects, worms, and microorganisms is disrupted.  Soil health is severely compromised, and healthy soil means a thriving garden.  So it’s fine to blow leaves off of paths, patios and other hard surfaces, but leave the leaves on the soil and support a healthy natural system in your garden.

Electrifying your landscaping tools is very important – but remember to use those tools in a manner that supports a healthy, sustainable garden.

Sustainable Practices

  • Leave the leaves – leaves and other plant matter under trees and shrubs help build mulch, healthy soil, and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
  • Grasscycling – leave grass clippings on the lawn or use a mulching mower. Clippings are a natural fertilizer, beneficial for the lawn, and will decompose and disappear quickly.
  • Avoid fertilizer and pesticides – most yards do not need these dangerous chemicals which are harmful to wildlife,  insects, and waterways.
  • Plant care – avoid the use of leaf blowers around plantings as they erode and compact the soil, and damage habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.
  • Help pollinators – plant native plants and flowers with staggered blooming times, and do not use pesticides.
  • Reduce or replace your lawn – lawns take lots of water and labor to maintain.
  • Reduce the size of your lawn or replace it with plants that take less water and maintenance and provide habitat for insects and birds.
  • Use a broom or rake instead of a gas blower to eliminate massive pollution, dust, and noise. They are more efficient tools than many people think.

Here are more resources for tips on healthy landscaping practices:

https://losn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/All-Electric-Yard-Care-Fact-Sheet-.pdf

https://losn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Las-ventajas-de-las-herramientas-electricas-de-jardineria.pdf

Here are some local organizations that offer more information, programs, and guidance on Healthy Yard Care. You can sign up to become certified with Backyard Habitat, become a member of Xerces, and get involved with the Oswego Lake Watershed Council.

    


Residential Solutions

As residents, there are many things we can do to help with the transition away from gas-powered equipment. We now understand that gas-powered equipment, especially blowers, harms the health and well-being of all. Eliminating their use around your home and your neighborhood alone will have a significant impact.

Ask your landscaper to use rakes and brooms whenever possible to keep the hardscape areas of your home clean.

If your landscaper needs a power assist, ask them to use electric equipment only.

If your landscaper does not have electric equipment, here are ways you can help them make the transition away from gas-powered equipment:

  • Provide your landscape contractor with electric equipment to be used on your property.
  • Offer to share in the cost: Suggest to your landscaper that if they purchase the equipment, you will provide them with the appropriate battery to use on your property, fully charged and waiting for them on your day of service.
  • If your landscape area is relatively small, corded electric equipment might be a good solution; extension cords and an exterior outlet eliminate the need for charging batteries.
  • Adopt-a-landscaper: If your landscaper services other properties in your area, consider sharing the cost among neighbors.

Residential Landscapers

Many landscaping services in our region already offer electric services. A story from Oswego Yard Care shows why businesses are moving towards this model:

Dan Fidler and Lonny Chavez started Oswego Yard Care in 2019 with the desire to create a landscaping business using quiet renewable energy. They use all-electric battery-powered Ego brand tools that greatly reduce noise pollution and have no gas fumes. Every kWh of energy they use to recharge their equipment is offset with the purchase of clean renewable energy. They have enthusiasm for innovation and insistence on clean energy. Oswego Yard Care maintains and creates beautiful yards by combining seasonal color, native plants, and perennials. Dan and Lonny encourage other landscapers to check out their equipment to experience for themselves how great this electric equipment works. Visit oswegoyard.com for more information.

Here are some landscaping companies that offer alternatives to gas-powered landscaping equipment in Lake Oswego:

  • AK Lawn Maintenance
  • Blessing Landscapes
  • Blossom
  • Clean Air Lawn Care PDX
  • Dennis’ 7 Dees
  • Flower Bug Gardening
  • Neighborhood Gardeners SW
  • Northwest Native Landscapes
  • Oregon Garden Ninjas
  • Oswego Yard Care
  • Phoenix Habitats
  • Plantzy Gardens and Designs
  • Revive Gardens PDX
  • Rogue Ecology
  • SKLD Landscape Design
  • Swamp Rose Ecology
  • Symbiop
  • Terraccord Landscapes
  • Tommy’s Landscape

What the City of Lake Oswego is Doing

The City of Lake Oswego has already taken important steps to eliminate gas-powered equipment from its contracted landscape services for 200 city-owned sites and has replaced much of the gas-powered equipment used by Parks and Public Works.

Parks and Recreation

Jeff Munro, Deputy Director

The Parks Department’s transition to electric tools aligns with our dedication to maintaining beautiful parks while being kind to our earth and environment. We have added all types of electric equipment including blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, push mowers, riding mowers, utility vehicles, and a new Ford F-150 that can power up equipment in the field. Our Parks Multiple Site Landscape Contract also requires that the contractor that maintains some of our facilities & parks only use electric equipment to perform their maintenance tasks.

Our commitment to Sustainability is powering our parks with electric tools and vehicles that reduce emissions and minimize our carbon footprint.  The Parks Department will continue to integrate this electric initiative into daily practice and continue to source new equipment and battery types along with continuing with the City Council’s goals on climate and sustainability practices with fleet policies.

Public Works

The Public Works Department has had an electric contract with STORM Landscape Services since 2021.

STORM Landscape Services is a commercial landscape company that has 6 crews that are all electric. In a recent interview, Randy Mihaldo shared details about his work with the City and his transition to electric landscaping equipment. Read the full story…


Transitioning to Electric Landscaping Equipment: A Case Study with Mountain Park HOA

Tod Blankenship, Director of Landscape Stewardship

I personally have been researching and purchasing small battery equipment for over 10 years. When I was with the City of Wilsonville, I began spearheading a transition to Stihl battery-powered small equipment. Stihl has long been a champion of landscape equipment. When it comes to committing to battery-powered equipment there are many factors to be considered beyond the craftsmanship and reliability of the tool itself. It is also a commitment to batteries and chargers. Stihl has been at the forefront of battery technology, and it was an easy decision for us.

MPHOA Landscape Stewardship Division has purchased nearly all of the Stihl commercial battery-powered tools available. When it comes to the replacement of any light equipment we will purchase a battery option if available. We have found most of the items suit our needs as long as we have plenty of extra batteries. The disappointment has been the limited backpack blower options.  A new Stihl electric backpack blower is now available and we plan on buying 5 additional blowers this year.  We have also purchased (2) Westward electric low-speed vehicles for use on the road and throughout our 9 miles of trails.


Portland Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

On March 13, 2024, Portland City Council unanimously passed an ordinance phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers citywide. (2-minute video of the 5-0 decision) Starting January 1, 2026, gas blowers will be prohibited for 9 months of the year (Jan-Sep). A full year-round ban will begin on January 1, 2028.

Portland is the second largest city to adopt such an ordinance, behind only Washington, D.C. This ban complements the steps being taken by Multnomah County to transition county leaf blower use to electric before 2025, and the city of Portland’s effort to switch out their stock of gas-powered leaf blowers for quieter and cleaner electric models. It is overwhelmingly clear that the public is asking for gas leaf blowers to be phased out.  When public comments were solicited by the city of Portland, 86% of the 786 commenters supported a prohibition of gas leaf blowers and only 11% opposed it in any way.

For more details see this Oregonian article by Gosia Wozniacka https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/03/ban-on-gas-leaf-blowers-passed-in-portland-gradual-phase-out-begins-in-2026.html

For more information on the Equitable Gas Leaf Blower Phase Out visit https://www.portland.gov/bps/climate-action/leaf-blowers/glb-phase-out

Here is a summary of the ordinance https://files.constantcontact.com/3a61126a001/18fa76f4-3c8d-45d3-b52f-42b5ceeee353.pdf and the ordinance itself

KGW news
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1-YuAKMYl8


Quiet Clean PDX was instrumental in the passage of the Portland ordinance to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. QC/PDX is a Portland based volunteer organization that has been working since 2018 to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers.  They have raised awareness of the dangers of gas leaf blowers, advocated for their elimination, and promoted healthier alternatives.


American Green Zone Alliance


American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) is a national leader in low-impact, low-noise landscape solutions. They offer education and training, and they work extensively to field test and certify electric equipment.

In 2021 LOSN partnered with Dan Mabe, founder of AGZA to host an online forum (see link to the forum below). He discussed the air and noise pollution issues with gas-powered equipment, the electric equipment that is available, the cost comparison between gas and electric, and the return on investment. He also discussed what other communities with similar seasons are doing to transition to electric.

In November 2023, AGZA partnered with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association (OCLA) to put on a Gas to Electric Symposium on the Nike Campus. Topics included current regulations, low-impact landscape maintenance and operations, funding mechanisms to lower the cost of battery-powered equipment, and commercial equipment demonstrations.

Learn more about AGZA here:
www.agza.net

See the list of AGZA certified electric equipment: https://agza.net/agza-approved-equipment/

Watch the LOSN forum here: https://losn.org/event/%E2%80%8Bmay-2021-online-forum-transitioning-to-electric-landscaping-equipment/

See a short video of the Gas to Electric Symposium here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrEinIpM_cs


How You Can Help

Your participation is important to the success of our campaign. Here are ways you can help us expedite the transition away from gas-powered landscaping equipment and toward more healthy and sustainable practices.

  • Join the Electrify Your Landscaping and Healthy Yard Care Committee

  • Take part in our letter writing campaign

  • Donate directly to our campaign by selecting Electrify Your Landscaping HERE

 Please email Kathleen Wiens [email protected]. for more information.


Additional Resources



Electrify LO Joins Electrify Oregon

Electrify LO has now joined other Electrify organizations in towns throughout our state in the network “Electrify Oregon.” This month, these 16 organizations launched a combined website  with information on the basics of an energy-efficient household and how to find contractors and financial incentives to help you electrify. The website is focused on guiding homeowners toward becoming more energy-efficient and climate-friendly in multiple ways.

City Landscaping Equipment Survey

Landscaping Equipment Survey for Lake Oswego Residents and Property Owners

The City of Lake Oswego is exploring possible incentives and education programs to encourage landscapers and residents to switch from gas-powered landscaping equipment to electric equipment. The city is conducting a survey of landscaping companies, residents and property owners about their use of landscaping equipment.

Please provide your input and feedback by filling out the survey. Your help is greatly appreciated.

* If you own a landscaping company that operates in Lake Oswego, please contact Amanda Watson, Sustainability Program Manager, City of Lake Oswego, at [email protected] to get a link for the correct survey.

Lawn mower, leaf blower, chain saw