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:
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Consider using lawn and garden equipment that doesn't require
gasoline. Options include simple garden tools, electric-powered
equipment, or rechargeable equipment.
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Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere, every day.
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