Drive Less
Driving less doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Try any of these ways to get to where you want to go:
- Carpool.
- Use mass transit.
- Walk.
- Ride a bike.
- Telecommute.
- Do your business by phone or over the Internet.
- Walk to lunch.
- Pack a lunch and eat in.
- Postpone errands that can wait if it’s a high pollution day.
- Combine your errands into one trip.
- Park in a central place and walk as much as you can.
Drive Smarter
Driving smarter keeps pollution at a minimum.
- Drive your newest car.
- Know before you go.Choose your route to avoid traffic tie-ups and other delays.
- Work a flexible schedule—commute during non-peak driving times.
- Keep your vehicle well-tuned.
- Replace your vehicle’s air filter on a regular basis.
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Check fluids regularly.
- Wait to gas up until early evening hours. Don’t top off your tank at the gas pump.
- Don’t idle.
- Avoid drive-through lanes.
- Accelerate gradually.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Use cruise control on the highway.
- When you buy a new car: Look for one that is fuel efficient and low polluting—or consider a zero polluting electric car.
At Home
- Buy less toxic or nontoxic materials.
- Avoid consumer spray products.
- Properly dispose of all hazardous household materials.
- Make your own cleaning product.
- Use water-based instead of oil-based paints.
- Keep all solvents and paints in airtight containers.
- Conserve energy.
- Purchase Energy Star products or other energy efficient appliances, home electronics, and lighting.
- Use a push mower.
- Rake or sweep leaves and other yard waste.
- Keep your gas-powered lawn and garden equipment well-tuned and use it only on low pollution days.
- Use a non-charcoal barbecue.
- Maintain your air conditioner or swamp cooler.
At Work
- Work a flex schedule.
- Telecommute one day a week.
- If you are an employer, implement a rideshare program for your employees.
- Keep your fleet vehicles well maintained.
- Take advantage of tax credits—buy alternative fueled vehicles.
- Purchase fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Conserve energy.
- Purchase Energy Star products or other energy efficient appliances, home electronics, and lighting.
- Buy less toxic or non-toxic materials.
- Wait to paint on low pollution days.
- Keep all solvents and paints in air tight containers.
- Adopt pollution prevention methods. They will not only prevent air pollution but will also result in savings for your company.