Phoenix Air Pollution: Strategies For Cleaner Air

Phoenix, Arizona, is a hotspot for ozone and particle pollution, with the former being a particularly challenging issue for the city. The air quality in Phoenix is largely impacted by vehicle emissions, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. While the city has made some progress in improving air quality, it continues to struggle to meet ozone standards, and the hot desert-like climate during the summer months exacerbates the issue by increasing ozone production. To address this problem, Phoenix must focus on reducing transportation emissions, encouraging the use of more fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles, and improving public transportation accessibility and attractiveness.

Reduce car emissions

Phoenix, Arizona, has some of the worst air quality in the country, according to the American Lung Association's State of the Air report. The city has been ranked 7th for year-round particle pollution and 10th for short-term particle pollution. The greatest challenge to Phoenix's air quality is ozone pollution, which is largely caused by vehicle emissions.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance and servicing of your vehicle can help to minimise its environmental impact by reducing running costs and extending its life. This includes keeping your engine well-tuned, checking your tyre pressure, and changing the air filter when necessary. Well-maintained tyres can also reduce fuel consumption and extend tyre life.

Reduce Idling

Switch off your engine whenever your car is idle, as this reduces fuel wasted. Even switching off for a short period can save more fuel than is lost from restarting the engine. If your car has an auto-stop function, make use of it.

Minimise Vehicle Use

Plan your travel in advance to reduce the number of trips and opt for more efficient and cheaper alternatives when possible. This could include using public transport, walking, or cycling for shorter distances. You can also combine multiple errands into a single trip to save time and fuel.

Optimise Your Driving Habits

Monitor your speed and acceleration, as unnecessary acceleration and driving at high speeds can increase fuel consumption and emissions. Driving at 110 km/h can use up to 25% more fuel than driving at 90 km/h. Additionally, try to avoid peak-hour traffic and minimise the cargo your vehicle carries, as more weight means more fuel usage.

Opt for Cleaner Alternatives

When purchasing a new vehicle, choose a more environmentally-friendly option that consumes less fuel. Electric vehicles, for example, produce considerably less pollution than petrol or diesel cars throughout their lifespan.

Avoid burning trash

Burning trash is a common method of waste disposal, especially in rural areas. However, it is harmful to the environment and public health. The smoke released from burning trash contains toxic chemicals, which can pollute the air, soil, groundwater, and surface water. These chemicals, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and polycyclic organic matter, can have severe health impacts, including eye and nose irritation, respiratory issues, coughing, headaches, and even more serious long-term problems like lung infections, pneumonia, and neurological diseases.

The burning of plastics is particularly dangerous, as it releases harmful chemicals like dioxins, which are formed when chlorine-containing products are burned. These dioxins can adhere to the waxy surface of leaves and enter the food chain. Even plastics that do not contain chlorine may be burned with other materials that do, leading to the same issue. Unburned plastic can also become litter, contaminating the ground and water sources, and providing a breeding ground for diseases.

To avoid these issues, it is important to reduce waste, reuse products, recycle, and compost wherever possible. Proper waste disposal methods, such as hiring a sanitation service or working with your community to develop an effective waste management system, can also help to reduce the negative impacts of trash burning. Additionally, Maricopa County in Phoenix, Arizona, has implemented a Residential Woodburning Restriction Ordinance, which prohibits residential wood burning on days with high pollution levels.

Use public transport

Phoenix, Arizona, has been ranked as having some of the worst air quality in the United States due to particle pollution. The city's air quality is largely impacted by vehicle emissions and ground-level ozone.

Using public transport is a great way to reduce air pollution in Phoenix. The city has a well-developed public transportation system that includes bus and rail services. Here are some ways you can use public transport to help reduce air pollution in Phoenix:

Opt for the Valley Metro Rail

The Valley Metro Rail is a 30-mile line that connects Phoenix to the neighbouring communities of Tempe and Mesa. It includes stops at popular attractions such as the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, and Chase Field. The trains are quiet, air-conditioned, and operate 18-22 hours per day, seven days a week. With an average wait time of 15 to 20 minutes at stations, it is a convenient and comfortable option for getting around.

Take the Phoenix Transit Bus

The Phoenix Transit Bus system provides citywide and regional route information and schedules. You can easily track bus arrival times by calling their phone service or using the NextRide feature by calling, texting, or visiting their website.

Try the PHX Sky Train

If you need to get to the airport, the PHX Sky Train is a driverless people mover that transports passengers to and from the airport and the 44th Street/Washington Street station.

Explore with Dial-a-Ride

The Dial-a-Ride service is a reservation-based ride service that operates seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. This service is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities to facilitate their travel needs.

By choosing public transportation options like these, you can play a vital role in reducing air pollution in Phoenix. Not only will you be helping to improve the city's air quality, but you'll also be contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the community.

Use less energy

Using less energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution in Phoenix, Arizona. While this may seem like a daunting task, there are several simple strategies that can have a significant collective impact.

Firstly, it is important to understand that transportation and vehicle emissions are major contributors to air pollution in Phoenix. Therefore, reducing energy consumption in this sector is crucial. Carpooling, biking, and walking are excellent alternatives to driving alone. Public transportation options such as the light rail and pedestrian-friendly areas can also help reduce vehicle emissions. Additionally, joining campaigns such as the EPA's initiative to reduce school bus emissions by eliminating idling on school campuses can make a meaningful difference.

Another way to use less energy is to improve energy efficiency in our homes and workplaces. Upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient appliances and equipment can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. For example, older lawn equipment models lack pollution control devices, so switching to newer, more efficient options can help improve air quality.

Transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources is also essential. The state of Arizona is already a leader in renewable energy, particularly in solar energy. Supporting and advocating for policies that promote renewable energy sources can help reduce air pollution in Phoenix.

Lastly, it's worth noting that indoor air pollution can also contribute to overall air quality issues. Trapped particles like mold, pollen, or dust can aggravate allergies and asthma. Taking steps to improve indoor air quality, such as cleaning air ducts, regularly changing filters, or installing air purifiers, can make a positive impact on both personal health and the environment.

While using less energy may seem challenging, by implementing these strategies and staying informed about energy-saving initiatives, we can collectively contribute to reducing air pollution in Phoenix, Arizona.

Implement clean burning gasoline

Motor vehicles are the single largest source of air pollution in the Valley. In 1997, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency classified the Phoenix Metropolitan area as "serious non-attainment" with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for both Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Ozone (O3). This led to the introduction of Arizona Cleaner Burning Gasoline (CBG) in the Valley in July 1997.

CBG is a special formulation of gasoline that is required to be sold in certain areas of Arizona, including Maricopa County and Area A, due to air quality regulations. The CBG program is overseen by the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures (ADWM) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), who work to ensure that gasoline refineries meet regulatory and fuel quality requirements. CBG is designed to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulates (PM-10).

The CBG program has specific requirements for the summer and winter months due to climate and vehicle drivability factors. For example, during the summer months, CBG is blended with up to 10% ethanol, while in the wintertime, the program limits the types of gasoline that may be supplied.

The implementation of CBG has been an important part of Arizona's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to bring the Phoenix Metropolitan area back into compliance with NAAQS. The CBG program, along with other innovative programs such as vehicle emissions inspections and transportation control measures, has helped to improve Phoenix's air quality.

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