We’ve made it through another winter season of visible inversion, but that shouldn’t mean our mission to cut down on carbon emissions is out of mind! Utah’s summer ozone is proof that our job isn’t done yet. The good news is that there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to reduce your emissions around town and at home in order to keep the air clean in this beautiful state. For more information on summer ozone and how it affects our air quality, check out this Salt Lake Tribune article written by Thom Carter, executive director of the Utah Clean Air Partnership.

Around Town:

We’re all busy people rushing from one thing to another. Here are a few ways you can keep living your life to the fullest while looking out for the ozone in the process by reducing your emissions around town.

1. Carpool: Whether you’re grabbing dinner with friends or heading up the canyon for a hike, hop in the car together. Carpooling with friends, family or co-workers who live nearby can save everyone money on gas, making your trip more fun while reducing mobile emissions.
2. Take transit: We’re lucky to live in a city with such an extensive public transit system. Between the Utah Transit Authority and bus, you can to nearly any destination. While it may take a bit more time than if you were to hop in a car, you end up having more time for yourself because someone else is doing the driving. Catch up on a podcast or read a chapter of a book on your commute. By taking public transit, you’re cutting down on driving miles and reducing emissions to improve air quality.
3. Be idle-free: Sitting in drive-thru lines can actually take more time than parking and running inside. Not to mention, when you wait in line at a drive-thru, your running engine wastes fuel.
4. Plan ahead: Instead of going out for lunch or dinner every day of the week, prepare your meals ahead of time. Make a trip to the grocery store and meal prep for the week to save on gas and money. Grabbing food outside the house or office adds up. Do yourself and the ozone a favor by using your chef skills this week.
5. Alternate modes of transportation: Take advantage of the summer weather and opt for an electric scooter, bike or your very own feet instead of hopping in the car. It’s a no-brainer that getting your blood pumping is great for your health and better for the environment.
6. Skip the trip: If you don’t need to leave the house, don’t! Work from home instead of going into the office if it’s going to be a slow day. Snuggle up for a movie night and popcorn on your couch instead of going out. One less day of carbon emissions can add up faster than you know.