Clean Air

2006 OZONE SEASON CLEAN AIR DAYS - What should I do?

St. Louis established an air quality program in the Summer of 1996 which included the air quality forecast. In 2005, you may hear meteorologists or the Post Dispatch refer to the day as "Green, Yellow, Orange or Red" forecasts with regards air quality for the ozone season. Following is some information about the weather conditions for each day as well as recommended actions which may help you.

Listen for KMOV's forecast at 5 and 6 o'clock, check your Post Dispatch Regional Section, or visit http://www.cleanair-stlouis.com/

2006 Ozone SeasonChoose a Better Way

There's a strong link between choosing alternatives to driving alone and our air quality? It's true! The way you get to work, or shopping, or anywhere you need to go, can greatly impact our air quality . . . and the health of our region. And if you drive solo all the time, you're contributing to the auto emissions that are one of the biggest causes of poor air quality. But you can choose a better way to go.

Taking transit is always a better, more affordable way to go.

• Hop on MetroLink and reach multiple destinations from dozens of convenient stations around the region.
• Ride the MetroBus in St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis and St. Clair County, IL and MCT in Madison County, IL. . Citizens for Modern Transit can help you plan your trip.
• Purchase your transit passes or ten ride ticket booklets online for convenience.
• Register your commute by transit and show St. Louis that you care about Clean Air. You will then be eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

Consider Carpooling

• RideFinders can link you to fellow carpoolers who live and work near you so you can share the ride. Each passenger you add is one fewer car on the road. Call 1.800.VIP. RIDE.

Air Quality Forecast It's a Red Day . . . Here's what you can do:

• GET YOUR COMPANY INVOLVED in offering commuter benefits
• Everyone especially children should limit strenuous outdoor work and exercise.
• People with heart or respiratory ailments, children and the elderly should limit their outdoor activities during peak ozone times 11 to 7 p.m.
• Use your transit pass to ride on MetroLink and the buses.
• Take your lunch to work.
• Change an off-site meeting to a conference call.
• Take public transportation.
• Carpool, vanpool, telecommute, combine errands. Try not to drive alone.
• Defer lawn and gardening activities that use gas-powered equipment.
• Do not refuel on Red Days. If refueling is a must, wait until after dusk.
• Avoid excessive idling.
• Keep your car well-maintained.
• Turn off some lights at home.
• Start charcoal with an electric or chimney-type starter; not lighter fluid.
• Postpone using oil-based paints.
• Follow the recommendations for yellow and orange days as well.

It's an Orange Day . . . Here's what you can do:

• GET YOUR COMPANY INVOLVED in offering commuter benefits
• Use MetroLink or the buses.
• Sensitive children and adults and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma should limit prolonged, moderate exertion outdoors.
• Refuel cars after dusk to limit daytime pollution releases.
• Avoid mowing the lawn with a gas mower.
• Take the bus, MetroLink, carpool, vanpool, bike, or walk.
• Combine trips and errands by planning ahead.
• Limit your car's idling time as much as possible.
• Conserve electricity and set air conditioners to 78 degrees.

It's a Yellow Day . . . Here's what you can do:

• GET YOUR COMPANY INVOLVED in offering commuter benefits
• Refuel cars after dusk to limit daytime pollution releases.
• Avoid mowing the lawn with a gas mower.
• Take the bus, MetroLink, carpool, vanpool, bike, or walk.
• Combine trips and errands by planning ahead.
• Limit your car's idling time as much as possible.
• Conserve electricity and set air conditioners to 78 degrees.

It's a Green Day . . . Here's what you can do:

• GET YOUR COMPANY INVOLVED in offering commuter benefits
• Use transit, carpool, bike or walk when possible.
• Keep your cars and boats tuned up.
• Use environmentally safe cleaning products and water based paints. <
• When gassing up your vehicle, do not top off your tank. (This releases fumes into the air.)
• Plant a tree in your yard or neighborhood.
• Link your trips together.
• Watch KMOV Channel 4 and Register for the GREEN Day GIVEAWAY promotions.