Metro Denver and the North Front Range’s air quality does not meet current federal standards. Find your “simple step” below to create cleaner air.
Take Public Transportation
Metro Denver is fortunate to have multiple public transit choices that are extremely beneficial to overall air quality. Zero Fare for Youth is a one-year pilot program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families in the Denver Metro. In addition, CDOT’s Bustang and Snowstang can get you to and from the mountains or along the Front Range. Pack your bags, leave the car in the driveway and say “so long” to sitting behind the wheel in congested I-70 traffic.
Combine Trips
Sometimes you just need to drive. It happens. But by adopting a “while I’m out” approach you can have a dramatic impact on our air. Here are a few ideas about how to combine trips:
- Pick one day each week to run errands. You can even create an “errand bag” (Hello, Pinterest) and fill it with reminders so you won’t forget anything while you’re out.
- When you order delivery, ask for a bundled shipment to save trips and in summer, have deliveries sent after 5:00 p.m. when possible.
Electrify Lawn & Garden Equipment
Go green, and benefit from quieter electric equipment that is easier to maintain.
- Switch to electric lawn equipment and mow after 5:00 p.m. when possible. As of Jan. 1, 2024, Coloradans can save money and cut air pollution with a 30% discount on electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers at participating retailers statewide.
- Visit MowDownPollution.org for information on the RAQC’s lawn mower exchange program.
Combine Passengers on Trips
Carpooling or vanpooling to skip a car trip has plenty of advantages, including keeping the air clean. In addition to gas savings, carpooling and vanpooling prevents parking woes and allows access to Metro Denver’s HOV lanes. FACT: More time in the passenger seat means more time to catch up on your favorite podcast, show or book.
Skip Two Car Trips Each Week
If you skip two car trips each week and replace them with other ways to get around, you decrease traffic congestion and improve our air quality. Emissions from cars, trucks, vans, and motorcycles are some of the largest contributors to ground-level ozone in Metro Denver.
- Walk, scoot, or ride a bike if the trip is less than 2 miles.
- Use e-scooters and bikes or public transit to get to a game, concert, event, or the airport.
- Walk to lunch instead of driving.
Teleworking
Many Colorado employers and employees have realized the benefits of teleworking. We prefer a healthy and prosperous Colorado and understand working from home may not be right for everyone, but for those who can it’s an important solution to air pollution. Even if it’s just one day a week.
Need some pro-tips on working remotely from home? Click here.
Avoid Idling
Idling uses more fuel than simply restarting your car. In the heat of summer, keeping a parked car on for the AC is bad for air quality. Even as temperatures cool, you’ll warm up your engine more efficiently if you drive gently for the first few miles. When you are stopped for more than a few minutes, turn off your engine to prevent air pollution.
Energize Your Ride
Driving a low- or zero-emission vehicle, like an electric vehicle (EV), is a common-sense way to create better air in Metro Denver. Colorado has some of the best tax incentives in the nation that make owning an EV easier on the pocketbook. We also have a highly accessible and increasingly growing network of charging stations around the Front Range, and you can charge at home. Visit NormalNow.com to see how EVs are better for your wallet and Colorado.
Challenge Yourself
Falling leaves and cooler days signal the end of ozone season, but you can still improve air quality in October. Find Go-Tober resources for you, your child’s school, and your employer at Way to Go and #JustSkip2 car trips each week for better air.
Sign up for Ozone Action Alerts, which help you create a game plan on poor air quality days.
Deep Dive
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is responsible for creating a plan to meet federal air standards. Read about the RAQC’s Ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP), what it aims to achieve in Metro Denver and the North Front Range, and your role in reducing air pollution.
> The Public’s Guide to Colorado’s Ozone State Implementation Plan
Want to know more about summer ozone and the RAQC’s work? We got you…
Ground-level ozone along the Front Range explained:
> Ozone Fact Sheet
> North Front Range Ozone Fact Sheet
Discover how the RAQC is working to attain two unique federal ozone standards:
> 2008 Ozone Standard
> 2015 Ozone Standard
Get more info on the RAQC’s air quality planning process:
> Colorado Planning Process
Why Combining Car Trips Matters
Instead of driving to the store, post office, or to other errands one at a time, combine your car trips. This keeps your engine warm – which means your car is creating less pollution for Colorado’s air.