What you can do to reduce smog
Tips from
the EPA and the Clean Air Campaign
Your car • At work • At home • Around town
Reducing smog caused by your car
Drive in Stride. Drive at a moderate speed. Avoid jackrabbit starts and quick stops. This will extend gas mileage and decrease harmful smog-producing vehicle emissions.
Clue In to Car Care. Follow the owner's manual and keep vehicles maintained. Get regular tune-ups, inflate tires properly, keep wheels aligned and replace dirty air filters. Be sure to get your vehicle's emissions inspected.
Don't Top Off. When filling up the gas tank, don't overfill. This will prevent potential smog-producing fumes from escaping into the air.
Carpool or Vanpool. Call 1-87-RIDEFIND, find a neighbor interested in carpooling or ask about your employer's carpooling programs.
Idle Not, Waste Not. Idling for extended periods at a drive-through window or in traffic creates harmful pollutants. Park and go inside.
Reducing smog caused at work
Flex Hours. Adjust work schedule to commute when traffic is less congested.
Use Technology. When possible, schedule conference calls, use email and fax to communicate with clients, co-workers and vendors.
Getting lunch. Order lunch in, brown bag it or walk to lunch with coworker instead of driving.
Conserve Energy. Keep computers, copiers and other office equipment turned off when not in use to save energy.
Reducing smog at home
Watch Your Temp. Set household thermostats at 78 degrees in summer and 70 degrees in winter. Use fans during the summer. Save money on your electric bills.
Mow Less. Use turf grasses or seed mixtures that grow slowly and require less mowing. Decrease lawn area by planting trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ground cover plants.
Off-Hours Are Key Plan the use of gasoline-powered lawnmowers, blowers, edgers, chainsaws, and other motorized equipment for cooler evening hours to reduce impact of smog-producing emissions.
Consider Clean Options. Buy electric or rechargeable lawn equipment when possible, or ask dealer about cleaner gasoline equipment.
Stay Tuned Up. Keep all engines tuned up. Keep mower blades sharp, and keep undersides clean. Winterize equipment each fall.
Go Manual. Use manual tools such as rakes, brooms, hedge clippers and edgers.
Reducing smog around town
Take Mass Transit. Ride the train or bus to work, to business appointments. Ask about federal TEA-21 tax benefits for employers and employees who use mass transit and vanpools. Take public transit to downtown Atlanta sporting events and festivals as well. Kids will enjoy riding trains and buses.
Combine Errands. Plan ahead to combine several errands into one trip, or run errands on the way home from work.
Let Your Fingers Do the Driving. Use the phone and the Internet to locate or purchase products or services, instead of driving from store to store.
Enjoy the Outdoors. Walk, bike, jog or rollerblade when running errands around the block.
|
Services »
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement