With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors! The Sacramento region’s dry, sunny days lend themselves to many outdoor adventures. However, when mixed with gas-powered vehicle emissions, these same conditions can increase ground-level ozone also known as smog.

Exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to long-term health conditions. Those who are in sensitive groups, such as children under age 14, adults ages 65+, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes who train vigorously outdoors, and people with pulmonary or respiratory diseases are especially at risk.

Here are a few ways to protect your health, and the health of your loved ones this summer:

Make Every Day a Spare The Air Day

When you do your part to help Spare The Air, you help prevent air pollution from happening in the first place. The simplest way to reduce air pollution during the warmer months is to drive your gas-powered vehicle less.

Learn All About AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) shows how much air pollution is in the air. Check the AQI daily, and plan accordingly. The current conditions in your area can be found on SpareTheAir.com, and the forecast for the region is posted daily on Facebook and X.

Plan Ahead

An AQI of 151 or higher indicates that the air quality is at ‘unhealthy’ levels, and members of the general public are more likely to experience adverse health effects. When the AQI is at this level, individuals are encouraged to avoid or limit vigorous outdoor activities or schedule them for early morning when pollution levels are lowest.

Get Creative!

When air pollution levels are high, many outdoor activities can easily be moved indoors. For example, if you plan a walk with friends, take public transportation and walk around the mall instead! Family picnic? Lay out some blankets in your living room and host your picnic indoors.

There are many ways to enjoy your summer activities while reducing the harmful effects of air pollution. We encourage our partners to Spare The Air and share our partner toolkit to help our community reduce emissions through October 31.