Limit driving and delay
errands. For short trips consider riding a bicycle or
walking. Other options include
carpooling, vanpooling, working at home, teleconferencing.
Ride the bus – Plan your trip here http://www.capmetro.org/riding/tripplanner.asp
Don’t let engines idle
unnecessarily. When you can, avoid drive-through services.
Minimize “cold starts” by
combining trips. Emission levels are highest
when vehicles are first started.
Postpone refueling your car
until after 5:00 p.m. on hot, sunny days. This reduces the time that escaping fumes
have to “cook” during the heat of the day and form ozone.
Don’t overfill or “top off” the gas tank. The refuling process releases ozone-producing fumes. Check to see that the gas cap fits tightly.
Be sure that gasoline engines (including boats and mowers) are properly
tuned and maintained. Ask that the
catalytic converter on your vehicle be inspected for proper function.
Avoid traffic congestion. Whenever possible, drive during off-peak hours.
Avoid driving for your lunch break. Take a lunch to work or walk to lunch
Apply paint with rollers and brushes instead of sprays to cut down
on fumes.
Use latex paints rather than oil-based paints to cut back on
ozone-forming fumes.
Compost yard waste instead of burning it to reduce air pollution.
Use an electric or push mower instead of a gasoline-powered mower.
Use rakes, hand edgers, or brooms or
other non-gasoline-powered equipment for other yard chores.
Avoid
use of charcoal lighter fluids when cooking out. The fumes contribute to air pollution.
Conserve energy. Burning fossil fuels in the production of
electricity is a source of pollution contributing to ozone formation. Insulate and weatherstrip your home. Run
dishwashers and washing machines only with a full load. Conserving water also conserves energy—it
takes electricity to treat and deliver drinking water.
