The largest source of air pollution in our area is due to on-road vehicles. Emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxide) and VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) from our vehicles turn into ozone after baking in the hot sun. Air pollution not only affects our environment, but our health and the economy as well. There are many things you can do to reduce our air pollution, these tips can be used not only during ozone season but year-round as well.
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Use transit, walk, or bike to work, and school |
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Carpool/Vanpool |
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Shop by phone or mail |
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Accelerate gradually and always obey the speed limit |
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Keep your car tuned. A well-maintained vehicle pollutes less and runs better |
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Use environmentally-safe cleaning products and water-based paints |
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Don't top off your gas tank and refuel after dusk |
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Avoid using gas-powered lawn euipment. If you must use a gas lawn mower, mow before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak ozone formation hours. |
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Combine trips and errands by planning ahead |
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Telecommute if possible |
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Take your lunch to work or walk to lunch |
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Make your next car a fuel-efficient vehicle |
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Start your barbeque briquettes with an electric probe, or use a propane or natural gas barbeque |
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Avoid using chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's) such as spray paint, paint thinners, pesticides, glue solvents, weed killers, etc. |
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Avoid using the drive-thru at restaurants or dry cleaners |
Environmental Pollutants - Traditional power plants produce air pollution, emit toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and create toxic and nuclear waste. Electricity production also consumes finite fuel and water resources. Over the past few decades, the electric utility industry has made great strides in reducing pollution by adding pollution control devices and changing combustion processes. However, electricity generation still produces more environmental pollutants then any industry. A better understanding of the environmental pollutants produced from electricity production will allow consumers to make informed decisions.
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