Going Green for Labor Day
Labor Day is just around the corner, the kids are back in school, and work is bustling, but the environment still needs to be looked after. This Labor Day, consider taking some environmentally friendly steps toward cleaner air and a greener future by checking out these tips. As fall approaches and leaves begin turning, keeping an eye on the choices we make will keep North Texans breathing easy.
Plan a Staycation
Plenty of local attractions in the DFW area are fun for the entire family. Take a trip to the Perot Museum, or scout out a spot at the park for a family picnic. The less vehicles on the road during a busy holiday, the less pollution contributed, meaning you and your family will have cleaner air as a result. Less money spent on gas also means more money for family fun as well. Check your local public transit routes to see where your next adventure will take you and be sure to check CDC guidelines before heading out.
Planning on a pool party? Take a trip to one of the local water features to cool off instead; you’ll save water and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Check out Lake Lewisville, White Rock Lake Park, or one of the many water parks in DFW, you’re sure to find a fun time for the family.
Avoid Burning and Smoking
While Labor Day might seem like a great time to toss some hot dogs on the grill, you can help the environment by finding an alternative way to cook your meals on the stove, in the oven, or in an air fryer. Charcoal grills release volatile organic compounds that pollute our air and make it harder for us to breathe, so if you want to cook outside, consider using a propane powered grill. Both propane and charcoal are less than ideal cooking options, but propane releases much smaller amounts of pollutants, so stick with gas if you’re going to grill.
Avoid burning garbage and follow your city’s trash collection days to discard items; the less pollutants we release into the atmosphere, the better our air quality will be.
Stay Active
If you’re in need of a few things from the store, and you’re close enough, take a leisurely bike ride, or stroll to the store. You’ll help reduce emissions by keeping vehicles off the road, and you’ll save money on gas.
If you’re too far to bike, but have public transit available to you, check your local routes to see if public transit makes sense for you.
Whether you take public transit or an active form of transportation to the store or to work, our air quality will benefit from your choice. Protecting our air quality is a team effort, and the work starts at home. Before heading out on public transit, be sure to check CDC guidelines so you can travel safely.
Stick with Green Energy Options
Making an impact on air quality in the region is a step-by-step process, and the simplest part involves starting at home. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Turn off your lights and appliances when you’re not at home or in the room
Close blinds that face direct sunlight during the day
Set your AC at a conservative range and don’t crank it when you get home
Turn off fans when you’re not in the room; they cool you, not the room
Switch to energy and water efficient appliances and LED’s if possible
Take care when using appliances during peak hours
Take shorter showers and limit baths
Monitor your watering in accordance with local ordinances
Spend more time outdoors when air quality forecasts allow for it to be done safely
Become a Sustainable Shopper
The grocery store is a place where your purchasing decisions can make a big difference. By choosing to become a more sustainable shopper you can protect the air quality of generations both current and future. Here are some ways you can help our air quality at the store:
When shopping, choose products that use less plastic or have sustainable packaging
Use reusable grocery bags or bring your own crates to carry groceries in
If possible, opt for digital receipts to reduce paper waste
When you’re in the parking lot, make sure not to idle or start your car preemptively with remote start. Idling wastes gas and is a major emissions contributor.
Turning these environmentally friendly tips into habits is the first step in your journey towards a cleaner and greener future. Sign up for air pollution alerts and visit airnorthtexas.org to learn more about how air quality affects you.
