Breathe Easy with the Clean Air Connection

Take Action: Going the Extra Mile

You have joined The Workplace Connection and now actively promote Air Quality Action Days throughout your workplace, but you want to do more to position yourself as an environmental leader in your business community. Terrific!

Instead of using the drive-thru window at a fast food restaurant or bank, consider parking your car and entering the establishment to get served. You can save money and help clear the air at the same time.

In addition to promoting Air Quality Action Days, The Workplace Connection member organizations are encouraged to modify certain company operations and promote alternate commute options when Air Quality Action Days are in effect. Here are some suggestions for each.

Promote Alternate Commute Options:

•	Offer employees incentives to carpool, bike, walk, or take public transportation - such as PanTran - to work.
•	Set up a ridesharing program and reserve prime parking spaces for carpools.
•	Allow staff to telecommute on Air Quality Action Days.
•	Promote the option of conference calling for meetings.
•	Discourage leaving the office for lunch by offering free or discounted in-house meals, snacks, and beverages on Air Quality Action Days.
•	Consider joining the Best Workplaces for Commuters , a voluntary partnership through EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation designed to promote commuter benefits.

Modify Company Operations on Air Quality Action Days

•	Reschedule facility maintenance activities.
•	Postpone lawn maintenance or use electric lawn and garden equipment.
•	Encourage on-site daycare facilities to plan indoor activities for children on Air Quality Action Days.
•	Utilize "environmentally-friendly" cleaning solutions.
•	Restrict or reduce the use of oil-based paints, solvents, and cleaning agents.
•	Modify or postpone fleet maintenance activities.
•	Delay refueling company vehicles and equipment until late afternoon or until air quality improves; lock the fuel pump during the day.
•	Avoid unnecessary engine idling by improving scheduling policies to reduce wait (i.e. idle) time and turning off vehicles when loading and unloading shipments.
•	Coordinate multiple deliveries from your site to eliminate extra trips.

We commend your efforts in becoming a member of The Workplace Connection and sincerely hope these tips have been helpful to you in building a comprehensive program that will benefit everyone in your organization. If you have additional questions or feedback about the program, we welcome you to contact us.