Air Pollution - How You Can Help

Everyone can help reduce the amount of air pollution impacting the Bay and its tributaries. Follow these simple tips to do your part to help the Bay.

At Home

• Turn off lights, TVs, stereos and computers (including monitors) when not in use.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use fewer watts and last longer.
• Only run dishwashers, washing machines and dryers when they are full.
• Use fans instead of air conditioning when temperatures are not too hot.
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances, such as Energy Star qualified products.
• Instead of using an electric dryer, hang your clothes and sheets outside to dry.
• Make sure your house is insulated properly to avoid heat escaping in the winter.

In Your Backyard

• Plant trees, which clean and cool our air and return pure oxygen to the atmosphere.
• Use electric lawn mowers and tools instead of gas-powered ones, which have inefficient engines that produce more pollution per hour than cars.

On the Road

• Reduce the amount of miles you drive. Fewer miles driven means fewer nutrients and chemical contaminants are emitted from your car into the air.
• Purchase a fuel-efficient automobile.
• Observe the speed limit, as fuel economy decreases at speeds above 55 miles per hour.
• Use cruise control to help you maintain a constant speed, and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
• Use overdrive gears to decrease engine speed, which reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.
• Keep your car maintained and your car’s tires properly inflated. Also, follow your state’s guidelines on emissions testing and maintain any pollution-control devices.
• Accelerate gently and evenly to maximize fuel efficiency.
• Avoid unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air, no matter how efficient your car is.
• Use your vehicle’s flow-through vents to stay cool. Using air conditioning or opening your car’s windows can decrease your fuel efficiency by 21 percent.

On the Water

• Maintain your boat’s engine to reduce exhaust and emissions.

At Work/School

• Instead of driving, walk, bike, or take a bus or train. If you must drive, consider carpooling.
• Make sure to turn off your computer, monitor and office light at the end of the day, or before you leave for a long meeting.