Breathe Easy with the Clean Air Connection

Take Action: Take Action Every Day

Taking part in Air Quality Action Days is an important step in improving air quality in our community. But there are certain proactive measures you can take throughout the year to safeguard your health and reduce dangerous pollution levels. Following are some tips that you can use every day to do your share to clear the air:

Did You KNOW?
When you idle you car unnecessarily - you get ZERO mile per gallon.  Make your car an idle free zone, it just takes the turn of a key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your vehicle maintained. Change your oil and filter regularly, and your fuel and air filters once a year, or every 12,000 miles. Additonally, keep your tires at the correct pressure and in alignment. Cars that are tuned with properly inflated tires and clean filters not only use less gasoline, they also run better.

Practice trip-chaining. Chances are you're already doing it! By organizing and combining several trips into one outing, you will lessen the wear-and-tear on your car and keep it from experiencing cold starts. Starting your car after it has been sitting for an hour or more may cause up to five times as much air pollution than when the engine is warm!

Avoid idling your engine whenever possible by limiting your use of drive-through windows at restaurants, banks, dry cleaners, etc. An idling engine emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), both chemical factors in the formation of ground-level ozone when mixed with heat and sunlight.

Explore alternate commute options. Ground-level ozone pollution and traffic congestion go hand-in-hand. Many of the alternate commute options suggested for use on Air Quality Action Days can also help ease traffic congestion and improve air quality in our community throughout the year. Suggest to your employer the possibility of telecommuting certain days during the week or use public transportation, such as PanTran, the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority's public transportation service. Carpooling is another alternative. Sharing a ride takes one car off the road for every rider, improves air quality, and provides the opportunity to make new friends!

Avoid spilling gasoline, as spillage evaporates into the air, emitting VOCs. To avoid spillage, don't top off the tank when you refuel your car and use a funnel or spout, both of which help to prevent spills, when handling gasoline for lawn and garden maintenance purposes.

Consider using lawn and garden equipment that doesn't require gasoline. Options include simple garden tools, electric-powered equipment, or rechargeable equipment.

Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere, every day.

 

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THE CLEAN AIR CONNECTION | 400 W. Stephen Street, Suite 301 | Martinsburg, WV 25401 | P: 304.263.1743 | F: 304.263.7156