tips

TIPS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION

Help reduce air pollution on advisory days by taking action!

In the summer when ozone levels are highest you can:

Take Transit: ride the bus, train, subway or trolley to work
Rideshare: join a carpool or vanpool
Telecommute: work from home and spend your extra commute hours with your family
Trip-link: do all errands at one time, avoiding unnecessary cold starts. An engine that's been sitting for an hour or more pollutes five times as much as a warm one.
Refuel at the end of the day. Ozone levels are usually at their highest in the mid- to late afternoon, and pumping gas emits roughly five tons a day of pollution into the air. So, save your pumping until evening.
Don't "top off" your fuel tank. This is never a good idea, no matter what time of day. Spillage adds about two tons of pollution a day to our air.
Turn off your engine when you stop your car for a minute or more.
Postpone mowing the lawn until late in the day or use a manual or electric mower instead. (And remember to refuel mowers and other gasoline-powered tools after dusk too.)
Start your barbecue with an electric probe, charcoal "chimney" or use a gas grill. Charcoal lighter fluid vaporizes quickly and adds to air pollution.
Use latex paints -rather than oil-based-and avoid daytime use of pollutants.

Help reduce wintertime air pollution:

Many summertime tips to prevent air pollution can also be done in the winter to help reduce particle pollution.
Use wood stoves and fire places wisely and sparingly. If you must burn wood, burn only untreated hardwood in a properly maintained stove.
Refrain from burning trash or yard waste. Burning your garbage outdoors can release toxic particles into the air harming the health of your family and neighbors.
Conserve energy at home by setting your thermostat lower. If we use less energy, power plants will not need to burn as much coal or oil.
Weather stripping, fluorescent lights and programmable thermostats help to conserve energy and save you money.
Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks. (This is a year round recommendation.)

The Air Quality Partnership is comprised of hundreds of corporations, governmental agencies and individuals working to reduce ground-level ozone and particle pollution.