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Ground-level ozone is a significant problem that we should try to prevent. It forms when pollutants from vehicles, industry, and consumer products enter our atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. Ozone formation is sped up by heat and long days -- so that is why we get most of our high ozone days during the summer months. Exhaust from gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles is one of the largest sources of ozone-forming pollution. As a result, before you put your key in the ignition for your next summer road trip remember to keep the environment in mind. From walking to biking to carpooling-- there are green options you can take to help our state fuel up on clean air. Here are a few tips to save gas and money, and preserve our air quality: - Avoid business travel whenever possible -- conduct virtual conferences and meetings instead. There are a variety of software selections available to help meet this goal.
- Limit the length of your road trips or use public transportation. Of course, walking and biking are always great choices. Electric buses are becoming more popular on our city streets. Other options include trains, subways, and community-shared e-scooter and e-bike programs.
- Buy an electric vehicle if possible, or downsize your ride to a smaller, more energy-efficient model. Select the right size model for your household and/or business needs -- make sure you are practical.
- Fill up your tank in the evening. When you refuel, fuel vapors can escape -- which can result in ozone formation on summer days. Ozone damages crops, structures, and human health. Minimize fuel vapor evaporation by filling up at night when it is cooler.
- Don't top off your gas tank. Topping off can hurt your vehicle's emissions system. Gas pumps are intended to turn off at a fuel level which provides room in the tank for proper emissions system operations.
- Keep up with your vehicle maintenance. Check your tire pressure regularly to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. Other regular maintenance items include changing oil as required, checking coolant levels, and cleaning or replacing air filters.
- Change your in-vehicle air compartment filter to improve the air quality in your vehicle.
- Crack your window instead of running your air conditioner. Using the wind to cool your vehicle means better gas mileage because your engine is doing less work. Also, check to see if your air conditioner is fully charged with refrigerant, so you get maximum output for the least input. If your vehicle's refrigerant is low, purchase an AC recharge kit for Do-It-Yourself refilling, or make an appointment with a repair shop. Only run your air conditioner on high until it reaches the desired temperature -- you can turn it down to save fuel.
- Buy a new gas can that seals automatically when the spout is not in use. The seal keeps the gas and vapors in the can where they belong. Vapor escaping from gas cans creates tons of air pollution per day. These vapors include benzene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can trigger asthma symptoms and make ozone.
Quick tips for saving gas: - Avoid fast starts and excessive brake use. Ease off the gas pedal when coming up on a red light or stop sign.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Carpool and combine trips when you can.
- Make a green choice when buying a new car.
- Good tire maintenance = better mileage. Consider buying "low rolling resistance" tires.
- Check wheel alignment as misaligned wheels will increase fuel use.
- Remove items from your car that you don't need to decrease the weight your car is pulling.
- Keep the engine tuned. Check the vehicle owner's manual for a list of maintenance items.
- Avoid unnecessary idling.
Did you know that? - New York is looking to decrease both greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. Transportation accounts for a large percentage of these emissions -- 28%. Drive smart and help with emission reduction. New York is doing its part with a goal of all new passenger cars and trucks sold in-state to be zero-emissions as of 2035.
- New York State was allocated approximately $128 million in the Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil settlement. These funds will incentivize diesel replacement projects and help expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state.
- About 50% of cars on the road today have under-inflated tires. In a year, under-inflation wastes 2 billion gallons of gasoline, adding up to 40 billion pounds of carbon dioxide to our atmosphere.
Visit DEC's website to learn more about how you can be a friend of the environment. |
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