In the fight for cleaner air, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has kicked off a new initiative this week during Air Quality Awareness Week. Titled "Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day," the campaign is a call to action for folks in Maricopa County to lower air pollution by changing their routines once a week. Prolonged sunlight in the region accelerates the production of ground-level ozone from vehicle and industrial emissions, a problem for the lungs of residents and their pets.

The MCAQD is rolling out incentive programs such as Mowing Down Pollution, which grants vouchers to residents who trade in their gas-powered lawn devices for electric alternatives at Home Depot. Idling reduction is another target—drivers are urged to kill their engines during the long wait at drive-thrus or school pick-up lanes. With on-road vehicles being a major ozone culprit, community involvement is seen as key to improving air quality.

"The Valley’s air quality has significantly improved in the past 30 years, in part due to increased awareness and habits that help protect the air we breathe," said Phil McNeely, MCAQD Director. His words come with a vision of a future where small changes like committing to one car-free day a week can make a lasting difference for generations to come.

MCAQD hasn't skimped on the list of suggestions to help breathe easier. Remote work is encouraged to cut down the traffic. Other recommendations include carpooling, public transit, cycling, walking, and saving refueling for cooler evening hours. Even choices in household products like paints and cleaners can have an impact, should they be low-VOC or water-based. The department urges painting projects to be shelved until ozone advisories are lifted.

Folks looking for more information on "Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day" can visit Maricopa.gov/AQ. This hub not only educates but also equips residents with a campaign toolkit to get started on their ozone-combatting journey. Maricopans are also encouraged to follow the conversation on social channels like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn, or to download the MCAQD Clean Air app for real-time air quality updates.