• Avoid driving during peak traffic periods when stop-and-go traffic is at its worst.

• Try not to drive at all, especially during the morning and early afternoon.

• Plan ahead, organize your trips. Combine several errands into one trip.

• Take your lunch to work to avoid lunch trips.

• Consider other commute options such as public transit, shared-ride, and teleworking at home.

• If you must drive, use the least polluting of your vehicles.

• Where available, use clean fuels. Avoid excessive idling, and areas of congestion. Stop and start evenly.

• Drive at a steady speed. Drive at medium speeds. Use your air conditioner wisely.

• Travel light.

• Consider fuel efficiency and emissions when buying a new car.

• Refuel after 6:00 p.m., if possible.

• Avoid spills and don’t try to top off your tank.

• Engine performance, emission control systems, and tire inflation are important.

• Don’t remove or tamper with pollution controls. Comply with the local auto inspection and emissions testing program.

• Follow your owner’s manual.

• Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks.

• Use an energy-conserving grade of motor oil. An EC multigrade can improve your mileage by as much as 1.5 percent.

• Buy low emission household products.

• Buy electric or fuel-efficient motorized equipment.

• Conserve electricity.

• Avoid spilling gas when refueling gasoline-powered lawn, garden, farm, and construction equipment and boats.

• Properly dispose of household paints solvents, and pesticides.

• Seal containers tightly.

• Reduce waste.

• Reschedule or delay lawn care employing gas-powered equipment until after 6:00 p.m. An old 2-cycle gas-powered lawn mower produces as much pollution when it is operating as 70 new cars.

Tip 7 - Postpone Oil-Based Paint and Solvent Use

• Where possible, use aqueous (water) based products.

• Avoid oil-based paint and solvent use on days when elevated ozone levels are expected.

Tip 8 - Barbecue with Electric or Chimney Starters

• Avoid the use of lighter fluid, since it vaporizes into the air and can contribute to ozone formation.

  - Your food will also taste better.

• Conserving electricity reduces air pollution caused by power plants.

• Purchase energy efficient heating and air-conditioning systems.

• Purchase energy efficient appliances.

• Make sure you home is well-insulated.

• Be mindful of energy conservation when you set your thermostat.

• Purchase energy efficient lighting.

• Purchase Energy Star labeled office equipment. Each year, enough electricity can be saved by using Energy Star labeled office equipment in a single home office (with a computer, printer, and fax) to light an entire home for more than 2 years.

• Where available, participate in your local energy conservation programs.

• Learn about local efforts and issues.

• Learn what you can do to help clear the air.

• Share what you learn.

• Let people know you care.

• Join a community group that is working to improve air quality.