Things YOU can do to help:
Limit your driving during the day
–Avoid midday trips from workplace (take lunch to work, walk/bike to lunch, wait till after work to do errands)
–Check your meetings weekly/monthly to see which ones that could be done by telecommunication methods instead
–Leave your car at home and carpool or take public transit at least once a week
Helpful links:
Sun Metro: http://www.sunmetro.net
Sun Metro System Map:
http://www.sunmetro.net/~/media/files/sunmetro/sysmap.ashx?la=en
El Paso County Transit: https://www.epcounty.com/transit.htm
El Paso County Van Pool: https://zimride.com/elpaso
El Paso/Las Cruces Commuter Gold Route:
http://dot.state.nm.us/content/dam/nmdot/ParkNRide/ParkandRideSouthernRoutes.pdf
Use public transportation, bike, and/or walk to your destination
-Using a carpool/vanpool system can also help the environment
-El Paso B Cycle Program https://elpaso.bcycle.com
–City of El Paso Bike Routes Map:
http://gis.elpasotexas.gov/bikelanes/index.html
Eco-drive
-Plan your trips to have less miles traveled
-Avoid rapid/sudden acceleration and accelerate slowly/evenly
–On manual shifting vehicles do not let RPMs rise to high before shifting to next gear
-Keep idling to a minimum or avoid it whenever possible
-Avoid traffic congested areas and seek alternate routes
Metropia: http://www.metropia.com/elp
Refuel your vehicle or equipment mindful of Ozone alerts
-Refuel after 6 pm
-Avoid spills
-Don’t top off your tank
-Refuel gas powered equipment following equipment
refueling instructions
Maintain your vehicle and gas powered equipment regularly
-Get oil changes at recommended times and keep tires
properly inflated at all times
If you have a gas-powered lawn mower, try to mow your lawn after 6 pm on ozone alert days
-Gas-powered lawn care machines produce heavy amounts of pollution
–When replacing gas-powered lawn equipment, think of the option to replace it with an electric powered machine
Avoid using oil-based paints and solvents
-Ask your retailer for the environmentally friendly options
Conserve energy:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/services/energy-saver-guide-tips-saving-money-and-energy-home
-Replace regular bulbs with energy efficient bulbs
–When purchasing an appliance, try selecting one that is energy efficient or Energy Star qualified
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product
-Set your water heater, furnace, and air conditioner in conservation mode
when out of the house during long periods of time
-Leave electronics off and/or unplugged whenever possible
-Barbecue with a grill that uses propane or natural gas if possible