summer, in full swing

After a jump from highs in the 100s to highs in the 60s, we are stabling out around the average for this time, 98. Coming soon: pictures from my daily commute, aka interesting things in Phoenix. For now, something that probably will be a regular summer warning: unhealthy for everyone to be outside today. (The somewhat ironic thing is that to take and wait for the bus, recommended, you have to be outside, not recommended).

A HIGH POLLUTION ADVISORY FOR OZONE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2008

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a HIGH POLLUTION ADVISORY (HPA) for Ozone for Friday May 30, 2008.

Everyone should restrict their outdoor activities.

** EMPLOYERS--ACTIVATE YOUR HPA PLAN **

HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

1. Drive less. Carpool, telecommute or use public transportation.
2. Find a carpool partner or plan a bus trip at valleymetro.org.
3. Burning in fireplaces, fire pits or wood burning stoves prohibited.
4. Refrain from using a leaf blower
5. Driving an off-highway vehicle is prohibited.
6. Visit RunningOutOFAir.com to learn more. [[I can't seem to open this page from my browser, but it looks like it could be interesting]]

Drive Less on Friday to Help Air Quality

High Pollution Advisory Called for May 30

PHOENIX (May 29, 2008) - Tomorrow marks the third High Pollution Advisory Day of the summer ozone season, as issued today by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. A high pollution advisory day is called when air quality is expected to exceed federal standards and will be unhealthy for everyone. All residents are advised to take precaution and adjust their daily activities.

Residents can positively impact air quality by reducing the number of times they drive alone. Removing cars from the road is the number one way to reduce summer ozone pollution because auto emissions are the single largest, non-industrial contributor to summer ground-level ozone, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“The public is encouraged to map a bus trip, buy fare, or find a carpool partner online at www.ValleyMetro.org,” says Susan Tierney, public information officer for Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority. “Planning ahead today to drive less tomorrow can make a difference.”

Other ways residents can help reduce ozone pollution:

• Switch from gas-powered lawn equipment to battery-powered equipment
• Eliminate unnecessary driving/idling, and combine errand trips
• Refuel after dark and don’t “top off” your tank.
• Securely seal cleaners, paints, chemicals and solvents to prevent harmful gases from escaping
• Postpone any outdoor painting projects
• Sign up to receive weekly air quality alerts via e-mail at www.ValleyMetro.org