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Air Notes Posters
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March 2010 - It's Pollen Time!
If you are one of the suffering snifflers, you have my sincere sympathy. Spring is almost here, but with it comes seasonal allergies (and wind). We may not be able to minimize your suffering, but isn’t it nice to know what is pollinating and how much.
The Pollen Program has long been a service provided by the City of Albuquerque’s Air Quality Division. Pollen data is collected at two of our ambient air monitoring stations: Zuni Park and Taylor Ranch. Data is reported Monday through Friday, starting March 1 and continuing until fall. We encourage your participation on the free list serve (sign up at www.cabq.gov/cmaqpublic) that provides you with an email notification or you can simply call 311 or 768-4734 for the daily pollen count or the daily air quality index.
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February 2010 - Clean Air Challenge
Have you taken a good look at our beautiful New Mexico sky and recognize how fortunate we are to enjoy GOOD air quality? It's not a given in a growing community like ours. Motor vehicles are the main source of smog and particulate air pollution in most metropolitan areas. The 2010 Air Care Challenge presents a good opportunity to rethink how you get to where you're going. Now is a good time to consider including mass transit as another way of getting to work or school. Try it! You just might find out that it's a pleasant, efficient and easy transportation alternative. Then, you can enjoy the view instead of worrying about driving. Visit www.myabqride.com for more information.
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January 2010 - Participate in the Transportation Survey
Happy New Year!
While one more year has blown by, we must prepare for the future. This month’s Air Notes promotes your participation in the Mid-Region Grande Council of Government’s Transportation Survey. MR-COG will be working on the 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This plan will shape our future transportation needs while maintaining our air quality and quality of life.
Please participate by taking the survey!
Dec 2009 - Load Your Shopping Bag with Good Deeds for Clean Air
It is December 1st and the race is on. Don't forget to care for our air this winter. This month's Air Notes poster reminds us of a few good deeds that we can incorporate into our daily routine no matter how busy we may become. Remember these are learned habits that will make a dent in winter air pollution and save some money too!
November 2009 - Fall is Here
If you spend any time outdoors this fall you may appreciate the fall colors and smells of the season. The fragrance of wood smoke mingles nicely with the hint of leafy mold and vehicle exhaust. What’s that you say? “It smells like smoke outside.” If you are one of the unfortunate people who suffer from allergies, asthma, or emphysema, these odors do more than offend, they can aggravate an existing health condition. The smells of fall are not benign to everyone. So heed the call this fall! Listen carefully for winter advisories that say when it is ok to burn and when not to burn. Post these helpful hints for seasonal home maintenance and wood burning activities.
October 2009 - Winter Advisory Season Starts October 1
It’s finally fall again. For many of us, this is the best time of the year. Autumn colors are just beginning to tint our urban forests. The smells of roasting green chile and fresh apples fill our lungs. So breathe deep, and as you inhale remember that our clean air is an essential resource that requires your participation to maintain its quality. This month’s Air Notes serves as a reminder for you to maintain your investments: your car and home. Proper maintenance for the colder months ahead will improve their performance; enhance their value; and minimize the pollution that is generated from their operation.
September 2009 - Summer Food Guide
As the summer’s bounty whets our appetites, many of us are enjoying the seasonal choices in our daily fare. Whether it’s for your meal or your family’s; consider all your important dietary needs before shopping for produce. Low fat, high fiber choices are a plus for any member of the family. And nature’s own flavors and colors offer the best benefits. The Environmental Working Group recently released the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides which is included in this month’s Air Notes. It provides an easy guide to keep with your grocery list. In addition, washing and peeling steps are in order before prep’ing foods for lunch or cooking. An alternative strategy is to buy local produce from our farmers that offer more opportunities to choose organic products. In any case, eat fresh and locally produced food and minimize your environmental impact on the earth. Enjoy!
August 2009 - Climate Action Town Halls
This month’s Air Notes Poster is an open invitation for all the community to participate in Climate Action Town Halls that will take place throughout the month of August. Please place this poster in public areas where your neighbors might see it. Read more about what the Climate Action Plan is all about at www.cabq.gov/cap. Join the dialogue and add your voice!
July 2009 - Indoor airPLUS
This summer remodeling and new home purchases are being considered. Indoor air and energy consumption are increasingly important for our health and sustainability. This month’s Air Notes highlights the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy’s Indoor airPLUS program. The program combines Energy Star efficiency with indoor air quality building criteria that will help to protect your family’s health, conserve energy and minimize your existing or new home’s carbon footprint. For more information visit, www.epa.gov/indoorairplus.
June 2009 - Protect Your Respiratory Health This Summer
At the on-set of summer, we strive to remind the community about the health impacts of ground-level ozone. Ozone can harm our respiratory system; especially our children and those of us who suffer from asthma or other pulmonary illnesses. Alternatively, public health education also encourages vigorous exercise to prevent illness and maintain a fit lifestyle. The summer is a perfect time to exercise outside, but when is it safe? Ozone formation peaks during the hottest and brightest hours of the day; between noon and 4:00 pm. Call 311 or 768-4734 for the daily ozone Air Quality Index before you get out there. Plan ahead for tomorrow by checking out the Ozone Forecast on-line at www.cabq.gov/airquality/ozoneforecasting.html. In any case it really is too hot to exercise during the heat of the day.
May 2009 - May is Car Care Month
The warm days of summer are almost here. Don't leave your Earth Day outlook behind. Channel it to your vehicle. Have you ever noticed the bright little set of lights on your dash; the instrument cluster? They usually go on when you start the engine, but on occasion one stays on. This light is a special indicator called the Check Engine Light. It is a function of the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic system that is required for vehicles newer than 1996. The Check Engine Light acts as a red flag to tell you when something goes wrong with the emissions and/or performance system of your vehicle. Like your heart-beat and respiration rate, the Check Engine Light tells you that your car or truck needs attention. Don't ignore it; it won't go out until you assess the problem. Sometimes it’s simple and inexpensive, but it can get worse and more costly the longer your vehicle operates in this condition. This summer is sure to be a hot one, meaning that we have more reason to be concerned about ground-level ozone or smog. Air pollution that is generated from vehicles, especially sick cars, impacts our health and environment. So make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition. You’ll get better fuel economy and save money. Collectively, we’ll enjoy better air quality and your Earth Day attitude will be with you all year.
April 2009 - Earth Day Every Day
Earth Day is on April 22. This year’s Air Notes poster provides some easy tips for the growing season to come. Whether you are starting a back-yard garden, planting flowers, or just sprucing up your yard, these tips are earth and people healthy too.
March 2009 - Let the Earth Rest for an Hour
March is a month of seasonal change. We in the southwest know March as the herald of spring winds and pollen. For this reason prior March Air Notes have highlighted our Pollen Program. We continue to provide daily (Monday thru Friday) pollen counts at www.cabq.gov/airquality/pollen.html. The site also provides a free email pollen report to your handheld or desktop. Easier still, 311 operators can provide that information over the phone. March is also an important month to acknowledge climate change and to act. That is why this month’s Air Notes poster focuses on a simple action to fight climate change. Sign up at EarthHourUS.org to participate in the annual Earth celebration on March 28, 8:30 to 9:30 pm. This is an hour that should be replicated as often as possible. Since spring is coming, take advantage of the extra daylight you receive and turn off all unnecessary lights. Join the world and transform each activity that uses electrical power into people power. Turn off the lights, open the blinds, pull back the drapes and enjoy the sunshine.
February 2009 - February is for Walking
This month, continue what we started talking about in January; walking. Get moving! Walking is good for your health, budget, and the environment. Every step that is walked can minimize the emissions that are generated from a driven vehicle. Walking conserves energy too. Do you need a safe place to walk? Visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s web site for a “prescription trail.” The Albuquerque Prescription Trails Pilot Program’s web site at www.cabq.gov/parks/prescription-trails will help you find a trail that fits your lifestyle and ability. The map highlights 34 parks and trails, including path mileage, grade, and number of steps. The site also provides information about the path’s surface material and if the park has handicap access.