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Transportation Planning

Anyone who lives in a major metropolitan area knows that traffic congestion is not only aggravating for those who are stuck in it, it’s unhealthy for anyone who lives near it and has to breathe the dirty air that’s produced as a result of it.

Now cities are starting to combat air pollution with programs that try to reduce the number of cars on the road and encourage residents to cut back on other activities that pollute the air as well.

For example, the city of San Diego has developed exclusive bus and carpool lanes that encourage people to share rides, reducing the number of cars on the road. They’ve also developed an extensive light rail system that offers commuters another option for getting to and from work.

Other cities have launched “Spare the Air” programs that attempt to reduce ground-level ozone, the pollutants that combine on windless, hot summer days and make it tough for some to breathe. When ground-level ozone levels are high, “Spare the Air” days are declared and residents are asked to make “clean air choices,” such as driving less, taking public transportation, and using push mowers instead of those powered by gasoline.

If you want to reduce air pollution where you live, of course, you don’t need to wait for a “Spare the Air” day. Walk or bike to run errands that are close by. Buy a push mower and manual hedge clippers instead of gas-powered lawn equipment. Start a carpool. Don’t leave your motor running when waiting for someone outside a store or picking children up in a carpool line.

You’ll find these steps not only Spare the Air, with the high price of gasoline today, they also spare your wallet.

For more information about “Spare the Air” programs, visit http://www.sparetheair.org/.

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org