Look who won prize packs of battery-powered yard equipment!
Congratulations to our 2007 Winners!
August - Randy Bukas
July- Gwen Eberly
June - William Ivory
Miami Valley Air Quality Program
"It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air!"
Aahhh! Summertime. A great time to be outdoors and enjoy everything the Miami Valley has to offer. It's also a time to be aware of something you might not think about...air pollution.
On hot, sunny days, emissions collect in a stagnant air mass and mix with bright sunlight to create smog. Other gasoline-powered items, such as lawnmowers, weed-whackers, leaf blowers and shrubbers, add to the problem because they do not include emission-control devices. As a matter of fact, running a gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour creates as much pollution as running your vehicle for 11 hours!!
Do your part to help reduce air pollution.
When air pollution concentrations are predicted to increase, an "Air Pollution Advisory" may be declared. On these days especially, it's important to do all you can to reduce air pollution.
Suggested actions include:
Around the house:
- Mow your lawn and use other gasoline-powered yard equipment only after 6:00 p.m., when temperatures are cooler and air pollution is less likely to form. Better yet, use battery-powered yard equipment instead. It's quieter and cleaner!
- When grilling out, use a clean-burning gas grill as opposed to a charcoal grill. Avoid using lighter fluid on charcoal grills. The emissions contribute to air pollution.
- Choose latex paint over oil-based paint. Keep paint can lids on tightly when not in use.
- Eliminate outdoor burning. Don't burn leaves, wood or trash. Mulch or compost leaves/yard waste.
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use. Consider retrofitting wood stoves with a filter or use gas logs instead of wood.
- Consider high effieciency/HEPA filters for your indoor heating/air conditioning systems. Reduce the amount of indoor air pollution to alleviate breathing problems.
On the road:
- Carpool/vanpool, ride the bus, walk or bike for short trips. Fewer vehicles on the road mean less air pollution. Contact RIDESHARE at (937) 223-SAVE or 1-800-743-SAVE to register for a free list of potential "poolers."
- Refuel after 6:00 p.m. and don't "top off" your tank. Make sure your gas cap fits tightly so vapors aren't escaping.
- Get your car tuned up. A well-tuned engine produces lower emissions, runs more efficiently and makes your car last longer.
- Avoid drive-through windows and excessive idling.
By changing your behavior slightly, you can play a large part in reducing air pollution and we can all breathe a little easier.
It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air!
