May 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In honor of Air Quality Awareness Week, The Department of Environmental Protection and the Ridgewood Health Department would like to share some tips to reduce air pollutants:
• Turn off vehicle engines while waiting in line to save money, fuel, and benefit public health. Do not idle your car.
• Develop good driving habits. Combine automobile trips to reduce “cold starts.” Choose a cleaner commute by carpooling, using public transportation, bicycling or walking.
• Have your vehicle’s emission codes read if the check engine light comes on, to determine what maintenance issues need to be addressed. Ensure personal or fleet vehicles are properly maintained and inspected at licensed inspection facilities when required. For more information, visit: www.njinspections.com/
• Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours to reduce evaporation of gasoline, a volatile organic compound capable of forming ozone. Ask the gas station attendant to stop refueling your car when the nozzle clicks off, and to avoid overfilling or dripping fuel. Any additional gasoline after the first click may not reach your vehicle’s gas tank, although you will pay for it. Tighten gas caps securely.
• Maintain an energy-efficient vehicle. Keep vehicle tires properly inflated to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions.
• Turn off lights when leaving a room. Turn off the air conditioning and turn up the thermostat while away from home. These actions can save money, as well as reduce pollution.
• Check the local forecast using the Air Quality Index (AQI) at www.njaqinow.net/ before painting, mowing the lawn or doing other activities that cause air pollution. If it’s an orange or red day, which typically means the temperature is hot or uncomfortable, postpone projects that use solvents or engines.
• Get a low-cost air quality sensor and monitor local air quality.
• Consider an electric vehicle when it’s time to buy your next car. Visit www.drivegreen.nj.gov to assess affordability, find state and federal incentives, and learn about charging options.
• Plant trees and support programs that help maintain a healthy tree canopy.
