02 Jun Stay Cool, Stay Active, and Help Spare The Air
Warmer weather brings more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and small changes to our daily routines can make a big difference to air quality.
This summer, encourage your community to Spare The Air and try alternative transportation options. Walking, biking, carpooling, and using transit for summer activities can help reduce air pollution while keeping people active, connected, and supporting health.
There are plenty of ways to stay cool and active while reducing air pollution:

Walk, Bike, or Roll – Warmer weather makes it easier to enjoy walking, biking, or rolling to nearby destinations. Visit local parks, trails, splash pads, or community pools close to home. Choosing active transportation is a great way to stay moving, save money on gas, and help reduce emissions. Plan outdoor activities during the cooler morning hours, when temperatures and air pollution levels are typically lowest.
Take Transit to Summer Events – Public transit is a simple and convenient way to get to concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other summer destinations. Every trip taken by bus or light rail helps reduce traffic and supports cleaner air across the region.
Avoid Engine Idling – Turn off your vehicle instead of letting it run while you are waiting in lines such as school pickups and drive-thrus. It’s an easy way to reduce unnecessary emissions and help keep neighborhoods healthier.
Check the AQI Forecast – Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast before heading outside can help you plan the best times for outdoor activities. On Spare The Air days, when the AQI is forecast to be 126 or higher, everyone is encouraged to take steps to help reduce emissions and protect public health. You can also sign up for Air Alert to receive the daily AQI forecast by email and a text message when a Spare The Air alert is issued.
Make Small Changes – Even one small change each week can have a positive impact. Carpooling, grouping errands, walking, biking, teleworking, or taking transit are all simple ways to help improve air quality.
Together, these small actions help create healthier communities where we can Breathe Better Together. We hope you’ll share this information, along with our other materials and resources, with your friends, family, and community members.






