Don't idle the car when parked
In the hot summer months, it can be tempting to idle your car in parking lots, drive throughs, and pick up lines for the air conditioning.
However, personal vehicles generate around 30 million tons of carbon dioxide every year just by idling! In the Denver Metro Area and Northern Front Range, idling vehicles generate an estimated 700 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
Turning your car off and on again, when parked in parking lots and pick up lines, and avoiding drive throughs, can make a huge difference for summer air quality in our region! Every minute that a car idles, it releases enough emissions to fill 150 balloons with harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and compounds that form ground-level ozone. These idling pollutants aggravate asthma and allergies and can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Engines Off at Schools
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is partnering with schools in the Front Range to educate parents, students, and school staff about the health impacts of idling near children.
Engines Off Grants for Mobile Businesses
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is offering financial support to help food trucks and other mobile businesses switch to electric power.
Know when it matters most
When it comes to taking actions to improve air quality, some days are more important than others! Sign up for summer ozone alerts to know when it matters most to take simple steps for better air in your community. Our timely text and email alerts can also help you protect your health.
