What you can do at work
Many of us work five days a week to make a living. If we all made small changes in the way we get to and do our work, the collective impact on air quality would be significant. We can ride our bike or telework once a week, reduce idling or encourage our employer to become a Clean Air Champion. Every little change helps.
Choose one of the icons below to learn more about how you can help clear Utah’s air.
- How to TravelWise
Drive Less >>
Carpool
If you don’t already carpool there are resources that can help. One is UTA’s rideshare program that matches you up with possible commuting partners.
Use Transit
Utah offers several transit options:
- UTA FrontRunner is a commuter rail line that operates in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber and Utah counties with connections to UTA’s bus system.
- UTA TRAX light rail operates four lines throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
- UTA Buses serve more than 1,400 square miles along the Wasatch Front and offer traditional and express services.
- Non-Wasatch Front Transit
- Walk, bike or take an EV to transit stops
- 60-90% of light-duty vehicle emissions occur within the first 50 seconds of operation after a cold start
See if transit works for you. UTA has a trip planner and a route finder to help you find your best options. In addition, UTA has a new transit tool that allows you to track the location of a bus or train on your mobile device.
Bike or Walk
- The Utah Bicycle Commuter Guide provides information on Utah bicycle laws, equipment needs, riding safety and bicycle security for those who are interested in commuting by bicycle.
- The UDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Program addresses the infrastructure needs of pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the state.
- Road Respect encourages safe cycling throughout the state, sponsored by Bike Utah, UDOT, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Zero Fatalities.
- The Provo Bicycle Committee provides event calendars, road rides, maps and commuting resources.
- The Salt Lake City Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee provides bike maps, bicycling basics, equipment, commuting information and more.
Telework
Teleworking is possible from just about anywhere these days, as long as there is a wireless internet connection. Teleworking can include conference calling or video conferencing for meetings instead of driving to an off-site location, or just working from a remote site or office. So, rather than spend your time traveling back and forth between meetings, consider using a local coffee shop or library to get things done more efficiently and safely.
Drive Smarter >>
Drive your newest, greenest car
This is a good way to reduce emissions and protect your investment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides calculators to help you see how green your vehicles are.
Buy a cleaner, more fuel-efficient or alternative fuel technology vehicle
If you are in the market for a car, first take a look at these resources:
- Purchase vehicles with an EPA Smog Rating of 8 or higher
- The EPA provides a Green Vehicle Guide and other fuel economy information.
- The EPA also provides a list of SmartWay-Certified Vehicles. These vehicles are superior environmental performers and include standard gasoline-powered vehicles whose reduced emissions levels are comparable with electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Utah Clean Cities provides information about alternative fuel vehicles and fuel economy.
Purchase an Electric Vehicle (EV)
- Rocky Mountain Power and local dealerships are offering reduced prices on EVs
- Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are available for the purchase of EVs
Take care of your car
A well-maintained vehicle with 50,000 miles on it pollutes only 40 percent as much as the same vehicle that is poorly maintained.
Reducing idle time
Reducing idle time can improve air quality and reduce fuel costs. Did you know that ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off your engine and restarting it?
Adjust your driving habits
- Accelerate gradually
- Obey the speed limit
- Use cruise control on the highway
Plan Ahead >>
Plan Your Route
Plan your trip before you leave to avoid traffic and other delays. The UDOT Traffic website and mobile app display traffic information all over the state.
Trip Chain
Trip chain by grouping errands together to save time and money, conserve gas and reduce the number of trips you make.
- 60-90% of light-duty vehicle emissions occur within the first 50 seconds of operation after a cold start.
- Chaining trips can help reduce emissions by eliminating cold starts and related emissions spikes.
Use Technology
Use technology to help you choose the best route to your destination. You can also use technology to track your travel patterns and see how making little changes can make a big difference. Sign up for the TravelWise tracker to set travel goals, track emissions, save time and improve air quality.
