Spare the Air is a Regional program sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District with the support of partners, including 511 Contra Costa. During the hot summer months nearly 40% of the pollution comes from automobiles. Spare the Air broadcasts are sent whenever summer pollution threatens to reach concentrations harmful to our health. Get advance notice of the Spare the Air by email by registering at www.sparetheair.org.

Although automobiles are the largest smog source, there are other major contributors. You can cut pollution by avoiding the use of aerosol personal care and cleaning products. Postpone household painting projects and garden tasks that use gasoline-powered equipment, such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers. If you barbecue tomorrow, start the coals in a chimney starter or with an electric starter. Don’t use barbecue lighter fluids.

Each summer hundreds of Bay Area residents pledge to Spare the Air in various ways. Some residents chose to alter their commute habits on a Spare the Air Day by ridesharing or telecommuting. Others chose to postpone the use of gas powered gardening equipment for a day when it wasn’t a Spare the Air Day. Others pledged to refrain from painting on a Spare the Air Day. There are several ways to help reduce pollution. Review the simple yet creative ways you can help reduce air pollution.

The Spare the Air season begins in June and runs through October each year.