WHAT YOU CAN DO
Since such a large amount of the toxics we're exposed
to in air comes from motor vehicles, solvents (such
as cleaning fluids), power plants, combustion sources
(including residential heating), almost everybody can help reduce
the emissions of air toxics.
- Purchase gasoline-powered Low Emission Vehicles (LEV)
which are designed by the automobile manufacturer to
pollute less. Ask your dealership for the models with
cleaner emissions ratings such as: Ultra-Low Emission
Vehicle (ULEV), Super-Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV),
Partial-Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV).
Purchase a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).
Purchase a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) which is currently
electric. Electric Vehicles can be "recharged"
at home with a special outlet, or at a special "recharging
station" which is more suitable for fleet operators.
- Fleets with centrally fueled vehicles can purchase
an Alternative Fueled Vehicle (AFV) which operates primarily
on alternative fuels (e.g., natural gas, biodiesel,
electricity) which emit far less air toxics.
- Bike, walk, carpool, or use public transportation
as an alternative to driving.
- If you must use your car, try to plan activities so
that several trips can be linked together.
- Take the route with the least number of miles.
Maintain Your Car Properly
- Inflate tires properly. Cars with soft tires take
up to 5% more energy to operate and they are also a
- Maintain your vehicle to comply with the air pollution
standards. The average well-maintained car emits 33
pounds of pollution (some of which are air toxics) every
100 miles. Cars that are not in compliance with state
emission standards can emit approximately five times
more than that.
- Make sure your car's gas cap fits properly to limit
the amount of gasoline that evaporates from the tank.
- Drive calmly, avoid jackrabbit starts and stops that
waste fuel and increase pollution.
- Limit idling your car. Most new cars don't even need
to be "warmed-up" in the morning.
- Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They give off light
similar to traditional light bulbs. According to USEPA,
they use 75% less energy than a standard incandescent
and last around 10 times longer.
Keep your light bulbs clean for maximum output. Dirt
absorbs up to 50% of the light emitted by a light bulb.
When buying appliances, look for the yellow Energy
Guide label that indicates energy efficiency. Choosing
high-efficiency appliances cuts down on your bills and
on utility plant emissions.
- If replacing windows, use the most energy efficient
- Use Energy-mode on your dishwasher setting and wash
only full loads. Avoid peak hours in late afternoon
and early evening. Open the dishwasher at the end of the cycle and let dishes air dry.
- Washing your clothes in cold water will save energy
and it helps to make your clothes last longer.
- Insulate your walls and ceilings This can save up
to 25% of home heating costs.
- Use a programmable thermostat and lower temperature
to 55 degrees or lower in winter while sleeping and
65-68 degrees during the day.
- Replace/clean air filters as recommended.
- Keep water heater at 115 degrees. If you have an older
water heater that does not have internal insulation,
wrap heater in insulation.
- Request an energy audit from your utility company.
- Plant trees next to your home.
- Purchase reusable/rechargeable alkaline batteries.
- Remember, saving energy not only helps clean the air
it also saves you money!
Rethink Your Yard Chores
- Gasoline-powered engines, such as lawn mowers, chain
saws, and leaf blowers emit toxic air pollutants. Try
hand-powered yard tools for some of your chores.
- Use natural briquettes for your barbecue and avoid
using lighter fluid.
- Instead of pesticides, use alternative pest control
methods ("integrated pest management"), such
as biological and mechanical controls. Try substituting
a mixture of ground up garlic and onions as a pesticide
alternative for vegetable gardens.
- Reduce pesticide use by reading and following label
Use Products That Pollute Less
- Choose water-based latex paints for your home painting.
Oil-based paints and varnishes contain solvents that
pollute the air.
- Substitute water-based cleaners for those that are
high in volatile organic compounds.
- Switch from chemical-type household cleaners to natural
products like soap and water. A vinegar and water mixture
works well as a window cleaner.
- Buy clothing that doesn't require dry cleaning. For
dry cleaning, use garment care services that don't use
- Purchase products made from recycled materials.
- Purchase products that can be recycled.
- Purchase products with the least amount of packaging.
- Buy in bulk, refillables and concentrates.
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