Clear the Air Challenge
Conservation is a core part of Tracy Aviary’s mission, and that includes energy sustainability. In July, we participated in the statewide Clear the Air Challenge. It’s a month long competition that gave us the chance to reduce our vehicle emissions by choosing alternative methods of transportation using TravelWise strategies like carpooling, taking the bus, biking, skipping the trip, trip chaining, etc. By driving less and driving smarter, we helped improve air quality, reduced traffic congestion and conserved energy.
Poor air quality becomes a particular concern during summer months when chemical emissions react with sunlight and heat. When chemicals bake in the sunlight this creates what we call “summer ozone,” which contaminates the quality of the air we breathe. Summer ozone is not visible, like inversion is in the winter, making it potentially more dangerous if citizens are not aware of its impact. So, by simply reducing vehicle trips, we can protect our health, our environment and our quality of life.
Our rank was #37 (compared to #73 last year… how about that for a switcheroo) even when competing against much larger companies.
- 23 staff participants
- 850 trips used TravelWise strategies
- Over 4,000 lbs of CO2 saved
By: Sandra Kinzer