Tomorrow (Sat., Aug. 28) has been declared an Ozone Watch Day by the Clean Air Force of Central Texas. That means weather conditions will be favorable for high ozone levels. While in the stratosphere, ozone is beneficial to life, but at ground level, it is a health hazard, especially to those with respiratory ailments. Tips from CAF on keeping ozone down:

• Limit Your Driving on Ozone Watch Days: Take your lunch to work. Combine errands or share a ride. Visit River Cities Rideshare at www.rivercitiesrideshare.com to find someone to carpool with.

• Ride the Bus: Click here for bus routes.

• Avoid Idling: Skip the drive-thru lane and park and go inside instead. For information on heavy duty vehicle idling restrictions, please see www.engineoff.org.

• Postpone Refueling Your Vehicle Until After 6 p.m: Also, don’t top off the tank to prevent the escape of emissions.

• Postpone Mowing Your Lawn and Using Gas-Powered Equipment Until After 6 p.m.

• Tune Up Your Vehicle: A well-maintained car operates efficiently and cleanly.

This article appears in August 27 • 2010.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US