|
|
The following are ways Dane County residents can voluntarily help to keep our air healthy.
|
In your yard
|
- Use an electric, reel/push or newer, cleaner gas mower to reduce emissions.
- Maintain your mower: keep the underside free of grass build-up and change the air filter, oil and corroded spark plugs at least once each season.
- Avoid spills and drips by using a funnel to refuel equipment.
- Reduce lawn watering and fertilizing to discourage fast/excessive growth.
- Avoid using gas-powered yard equipment (e.g., trimmers, weeders), which have high emissions.
- Use an electric starter or charcoal chimney instead of petroleum distillate charcoal lighter fluids, which emit harmful vapors.
|
- Reschedule or delay lawnmowing using gas-powered equipment until after 6 p.m.
- Avoid using charcoal lighterfluid. It vaporizes and con-tributes to ozone formation.
|
|
Around the House
|
- Avoid solvent-based products, which have pollution causing vapors (VOCs). Avoid spray paint and use water-based paint, stain and sealants.
- Tightly cap all solvents (e.g., gasoline, paint thinners, strippers) and store in a cool place.
- Avoid painting, stripping and refinishing during summer heat.
- Avoid using flammable household products (e.g., floor wax, furniture polish, fabric cleaners/protectants, insect foggers), which have solvents.
|
- If you must use a solvent-based product, choose a different day for your project or use it late in the day.
|
|
On the Road
|
- When refueling your car, stop when the nozzle shuts off. Don’t overfill or drip fuel.
- Refuel after dusk or in the evening to avoid evaporation.
- Keep your car tuned up and tires well inflated to increase mileage and reduce refueling.
- Avoid idling. Turn your engine off if waiting more than 30 seconds.
- Reduce your driving: combine errands, walk, bike, carpool, use public transit or telecommute.
|
- Turn off your car while waiting in lines.
- Reduce your vehicle travel by delaying trips, carpooling/van-pooling, walking, biking or using public transportation.
- Refuel after 6 p.m., if possible.
|
|
