Take Action: Going
the Extra Mile
You have
joined The Workplace Connection and now actively promote Air Quality
Action Days throughout your workplace, but you want to do more
to position yourself as an environmental leader in your business
community. Terrific!
Instead
of using the drive-thru window at a fast food restaurant or
bank, consider parking your car and entering the establishment
to get served. You can save money and help clear the air
at the same time.
In addition
to promoting Air Quality Action Days, The Workplace Connection
member organizations are encouraged to modify certain company
operations and promote alternate commute options when Air Quality
Action Days are in effect. Here are some suggestions for each.
Promote
Alternate Commute Options:
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Offer employees incentives to carpool, bike, walk, or
take public transportation - such as PanTran - to work.
|
| • |
Set up a ridesharing program and reserve prime parking
spaces for carpools. |
| • |
Allow staff to telecommute on Air Quality Action Days.
|
| • |
Promote the option of conference calling for meetings.
|
| • |
Discourage leaving the office for lunch by offering free
or discounted in-house meals, snacks, and beverages on Air
Quality Action Days. |
| • |
Consider joining the Best
Workplaces for Commuters , a voluntary partnership through
EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation designed to
promote commuter benefits. |
Modify
Company Operations on Air Quality Action Days
| • |
Reschedule facility maintenance activities. |
| • |
Postpone lawn maintenance or use electric lawn and garden
equipment. |
| • |
Encourage on-site daycare facilities to plan indoor activities
for children on Air Quality Action Days. |
| • |
Utilize "environmentally-friendly" cleaning solutions.
|
| • |
Restrict or reduce the use of oil-based paints, solvents,
and cleaning agents. |
| • |
Modify or postpone fleet maintenance activities. |
| • |
Delay refueling company vehicles and equipment until late
afternoon or until air quality improves; lock the fuel pump
during the day. |
| • |
Avoid unnecessary engine idling by improving scheduling
policies to reduce wait (i.e. idle) time and turning off
vehicles when loading and unloading shipments. |
| • |
Coordinate multiple deliveries from your site to eliminate
extra trips. |
We commend
your efforts in becoming a member of The Workplace Connection
and sincerely hope these tips have been helpful to you in building
a comprehensive program that will benefit everyone in your organization.
If you have additional questions or feedback about the program,
we welcome you to contact us.
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