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Recently, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer made a plea for citizens to reduce unnecessary engine idling. Unnecessary engine idling isn’t just bad for the environment, it’s a waste of gas and money, too. This is especially important near schools, where students will be walking into that cloud of exhaust on a daily basis. Save money and help the air by following the 10 Second Rule. Listen to Mayor Fischer here.

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, which means it’s time to get your car holiday ready.

1. Make sure your car’s maintenance is up to date. Putting off an oil change isn’t good for your car or the air.

2. Check the essentials for winter driving, including tires, brakes, wiper blades and battery.

3. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, gloves, a blanket, flares, sand or kitty litter and some high energy snacks.

4. Reduce the hustle and bustle of traffic by sharing rides or taking public transportation.

5. Check tire pressure. When the temperature dips, the pressure in your tires will dip as well. Add air as needed.

6. Check road conditions and closures ahead of time. Plan for breaks during your road trip for fuel and rest.

7. Have a safe, air friendly holiday season!

 

 

Retro is “in” for back to school, including those bright Lisa Frank folders and oversized sweatshirts right out of the 1980s. Styles may change, but one thing that never goes out of style is clean air.

You may love the retro look, but don’t drive like it’s 1985. When you’re waiting in the car rider line, turn off your engine. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idling. Your modern car has fuel injection, so restarting takes just a half teaspoon of gas. In fact, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

Students walking in and out of the school are exposed to pollutants from gasoline powered engines on a daily basis. Reducing idling reduces their exposure, and creates a healthier environment for everyone in the school community.

Be mindful of the health and safety of students as they head back to class. As vintage favorite Woodsy Owl would say, “Give a Hoot! Don’t Pollute!”

Have a productive and air-friendly school year.

Monday, August 5, is an Air Quality Alert Day for ozone in Louisville/Southern Indiana.  While the weekend outlook is for Moderate air quality, the long-range forecast is for elevated ozone on Monday. Forecasters believe ozone will be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) range. Sensitive groups include seniors, children, and people with breathing ailments like asthma and COPD. The general public is not likely to be affected.

 

Saturday, July 13, is an Air Quality Alert Day for ozone in Louisville/Southern Indiana. Forecasters believe ozone will be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) range. Sensitive groups include seniors, children, and people with breathing ailments like asthma and COPD. The general public is not likely to be affected. Sunday, July 14 is forecast to be Moderate. 

Check the air quality at louisvilleky.gov/airquality