Clearing the air in Phoenix

Posted on 04. May, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in News

UPDATE: More ‘clean air’ links and info

Monday marks the third during the last seven days that Maricopa County’s Air Quality Department has issued an Ozone Health Watch.

What does that mean?  According to Maricopa County’s Air Quality Department – ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compounds.  April through September make up the Valley’s long ozone season.

Part of the reason why I write Light Rail Blogger is to bring attention to some of the things we can do to help live a more sustainable life and clear the air we breathe.

The ACD has some suggestions on how to cut down the pollution:

• Refuel after dark
• Don’t make unnecessary driving trips
• Carpool, ride the bus, or THE PHOENIX LIGHT RAIL
• Do not use use gas powered garden equipment

Usually the young or elderly, or those with respiratory problems are those who are most affected by these alerts.

You can learn more more by logging on to the county’s website Clean Air Make More by clicking here.

You could even go ONE STEP FURTHER and make the clean air commitment.  It’s a promise to do such such things like refueling after dark or better yet take public transportation whenever possible to help clear the air.  I made the commitment, will you?  Click here to join me in the cause.

Have a great start to your week!

UPDATE:

I just got an email from one of my friend and guest LRB blogger (Phoenix vs. San Francisco: a comparison) who suggested a couple more links for people looking to clear the air.

If you want to see exactly where the bus or light rail can take you, check out Valley Metro’s trip planner here.  Once on the site, you can find the application on the left side of the page.

Never been on a Valley Metro bus?  Not to worry!  Check out this helpful ‘how to’ link here.

Thanks TlaB!!!

One more note of interest: 12News posted this story about Phoenix ranking among the 10 worst cities for air polution.

Tags: Air Quality Department, Clean Air Make More