Do a Little... Save a Lot!

Every day we make hundreds of choices in our lives – some are big and some small, some very important and some insignificant. Significant or not, our collective choices and the consequential actions all have an impact on the world around us.

The average adult breathes about 20,000 times each day. Both children and the elderly face a greater risk of being affected by air pollution, as do people with heart, respiratory or other ailments. Air quality is not just a summertime issue and an unhealthy level of pollutants in the air is a winter problem, too.

Our daily use of electricity and fuel contributes to air pollution. That means the choices we make every day can directly affect air quality and our health.

One way to "earn free gas" is to burn less. If you can reduce your gas use by just 10%, that's more savings than getting a free month of gas every year! Here are some tips on how to save 10% or more.

Ten Simple Ways to Improve Air Quality and Save Energy This Spring

1. Fill and use gas powered lawn equipment in the evening hours and buy a spill-proof, low-emitting gas can.
2. When getting outside to do yard work, replace gas-powered equipment such as mowers and leaf blowers with electric, rechargeable, or manual equipment.
3. Mow less. Plant slow-growing grass and seed mixtures. Use more native plants. Try natural landscaping to minimize lawn mowing and fertilizers. When possible, use organic or nontoxic pesticides and garden products.
4. Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. You will also avoid retracing your route and reduce the distance you travel, not only saving fuel but also wear and tear on your car. Your budget will thank you!
5. When driving, anticipate stops and slow down gradually. It takes 20% less gas to accelerate from 5 mpg than from a full stop.
6. Maintaining a safe following distance helps reduce the need for stop-and-go driving. Accelerate and decelerate slowly and smoothly ? it?ll save you up to 2 mpg. Smooth driving is safer, reduces brake wear and, on average, gets you to your destination just as quick.
7. Get rid of the junk in your trunk! The weight of that extra cargo makes engines work harder, burning more gas, releasing more emissions. You get four percent less gas mileage for every 100 pounds of excess weight carried in your car. That can cost you about a dollar for every time you fill up your gas tank.
8. Remove roof racks on your vehicle when not in use to prevent excess aerodynamic drag. If you have a choice between putting cargo on the top of your vehicles or inside, choose inside, carrying items on the roof increases aerodynamic drag.
9. Ride your bike or walk instead of driving. It?s a great way to travel and it can help you and the air get in shape. Vehicles on the road create more than 25% of all air pollution nationwide and are a huge source of global climate change emissions.
10. Spread the word: If everyone you knew did a little to help improve air quality, imagine how much of a difference we could make because... it all adds up to cleaner air and better health for all of us! .

Power to Change

We have the power to change our home, transportation, and general habits to help keep the air we all breathe clean and healthy.

• View How to Save Energy for Cleaner Air [VIDEO Length 0:30]
• Listen to How to Save Energy for Cleaner Air [AUDIO Length 0:30]
• View How to Drive and Save Gasoline for Cleaner Air [VIDEO Length 0:30]
• Listen to How to Drive and Save Gasoline for Cleaner Air  [AUDIO Length 0:30]

Looking for More Eco-Driving Tips?

The importance of "eco" or green driving is often underestimated but you can make a difference. By driving in a more careful and environmentally responsible way, you can be a safer driver while cutting exhaust emissions, saving fuel, and at the same time -- saving a significant amount of money at the gas pump!

Visit XRT: eXtraordinary Road Trip [exit DNR] to learn more!

Things Kids Can Do

Hey kids! There are lots of things YOU can do to keep air pollution levels down. To find out some ways you can help make the air cleaner for everyone: What can YOU do?

It All Adds Up...

• In your backyard
• In your home
• While you travel
• At work