Welcome to the heart of ozone season, which runs from April through September.
Additional hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures during the season lead to chemical reactions that occur when pollutants are emitted from vehicles and other sources to cause higher concentrations of ground-level ozone.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we can do several things in our daily commute, and our everyday lives, to reduce pollution and ground-level ozone.
Transportation tips:
- Choose a cleaner commute – share a ride, bike, walk or use public transportation to get to work. All Sun Tran services are free through the end of the year.
- Combine errands and reduce automobile trips.
- Avoid excessive idling of your automobile.
- Consider an electric vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions during your next vehicle purchase.
- Refuel your car in the evening when it is cooler.
- Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tighten your gas cap securely.
- Keep car, boat and other engines properly tuned.
- Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
Things you can do around the house:
- Use electric instead of gas-powered yard tools.
- Conserve electricity and set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees.
- Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
- Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
- Conserve energy – at home, at work, everywhere.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home appliances or office equipment.
Incorporating even a few of these steps can help reduce air pollution, especially during ozone season.
