Since taking my job a few years ago I’ve really taken a look at my lifestyle and tried to identify and implement ways in which I can reduce my “carbon footprint”. Here in Texas it isn’t unusual to hear people talk about ozone (usually in relation to how hot the summer days get here) and the lack of protective barrier we have surrounding the earth. There’s probably a good reason for that. It’s a fact, ozone levels are generally the highest during hot summer months and there are a ton of health concerns that come with ozone-forming pollution- difficulty breathing, coughing, and sore and scratchy throats. Not to mention breathing ozone-polluted air aggravates lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The ozone, it’s important. It should be talked about. I just want to make sure that when we’re talking about ozone- we’re talking about solutions.
Many North Texans will be answering the call to take action for just ONE day between 7a.m. and 7p.m. on July 7.
I’m encouraging you to join me and many others in the fight for cleaner air by committing to ride a bike or take transit to work, carpool, check the tire pressure of your vehicles and do other vehicle maintenance (keeping a vehicle engine tuned properly , inflating tires to the correct pressure, and using the recommended grade of oil can increase gas mileage by up to 9% and save up to $.24 per gallon according to the US Department of Energy), drink from a re-usable water bottle made from recycled materials, pack a lunch, or choose from other clean air choices that help to reduce ozone-forming pollution.
I’ve made my commitment- it’s time to make yours. What are you going to do?!
For a full list of clean air choices, to view other commitments, and to log your own commitment for 7-7-7-7, visit: www.airnorthtexas.org
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