Utah's Pollution Problem: Strategies For Cleaner Air And Environment

Utah's air quality is often among the worst in the United States, with Salt Lake City, Provo, and Orem ranking 9th worst for ozone air quality and 19th for short-term particle pollution. The state's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including mountainous topography, emissions from vehicles, wood-burning for home heating, industry, and agriculture. To address this issue, individuals and communities can take several measures to reduce pollution and protect their health. These include carpooling, using public transportation, reducing idling, and utilizing newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, individuals can adjust their home energy use, wear masks during poor air quality days, and participate in community initiatives like the Clean Air for U Challenge.

Reduce car emissions by carpooling, taking public transit, or using electric vehicles

Carpooling is a great way to reduce car emissions and improve air quality in Utah. By sharing a single car, you can significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions. The University of Utah encourages students, faculty, and staff to carpool through its Zimride service, which is an online ride-matching platform. Zimride connects drivers and passengers within the university network who are heading to the same area, making it convenient and easy to find carpooling partners.

Participating in initiatives like the Clean Air for U Challenge is another excellent way to get involved. This friendly competition encourages individuals to reduce emissions by cutting back on single-occupant vehicle trips. Participants can log bike trips, bus and TRAX rides, and carpooling arrangements to see how many non-single-occupancy vehicle trips they can make, as well as the calories burned, money saved, and carbon dioxide emissions reduced.

Taking public transit is another effective way to reduce car emissions. By opting for buses, trains, or other public transportation options, you can help decrease the number of cars on the road, which in turn reduces emissions and congestion.

Using electric vehicles (EVs) is also a significant step towards reducing car emissions. EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are far more energy-efficient than conventional gasoline vehicles. They use approximately 87%-91% of the energy from their batteries and regenerative braking for propulsion, compared to only 16%-25% energy conversion efficiency in gasoline vehicles. While generating electricity to charge EVs can create carbon pollution, the overall carbon footprint is still lower than that of gasoline cars. Additionally, as more renewable energy sources are used for electricity generation, the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs will decrease even further.

EVs also offer charging strategies that can prevent overloading the power grid. They can be charged at off-peak times, such as overnight, and in some cases, they can even act as a power source by pushing energy back to the grid through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. With government initiatives supporting the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, access to charging stations will become even more convenient in the coming years.

By implementing these strategies, such as carpooling, taking public transit, and adopting electric vehicles, we can collectively make a significant impact on reducing car emissions and improving the air quality in Utah.

Limit the use of wood-burning fires and opt for natural gas fires instead

Wood-burning fires are a major source of air pollution in Utah. According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces contribute to the state's air pollution by releasing fine-particle pollution, which includes PM2.5—a microscopic particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers that is linked to long-lasting lung damage.

To reduce air pollution in Utah, it is important to limit the use of wood-burning fires and opt for cleaner alternatives, such as natural gas fires. Natural gas is a much cleaner-burning fuel than wood, and it produces significantly fewer emissions. By switching to natural gas fires, Utah residents can help reduce the amount of harmful particulate matter released into the air and improve the overall air quality in their communities.

The state of Utah has recognized the benefits of switching from wood-burning to natural gas fires and has implemented various initiatives to encourage residents to make the change. For example, the Wood Stove Conversion Assistance Program is a state-funded incentive program that subsidizes the cost of converting wood-burning stoves or fireplaces into natural gas heating systems. Through this program, residents can receive up to $3,800 toward the cost of a cleaner heating system, making the switch to natural gas more accessible and affordable.

In addition to state-led initiatives, local governments in Utah have also taken action to reduce wood-burning fires. Several counties in Utah, including Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County, have enforced "no-burn days" or "mandatory action days," during which the use of wood-burning fireplaces and stoves is prohibited. These restrictions are typically in place during the winter inversion season, when atmospheric conditions trap air pollution in the valleys, leading to a buildup of fine particulate matter to unhealthy levels. By following these restrictions and opting for natural gas fires instead of wood-burning fires, residents can help reduce pollution levels and protect their health and the environment.

By limiting the use of wood-burning fires and choosing natural gas fires instead, Utah residents can make a significant contribution to reducing air pollution in their state. This simple switch can lead to improved air quality, reduced health risks, and a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all.

Improve home energy efficiency by adjusting your thermostat and weatherproofing your home

Improving home energy efficiency is a great way to reduce pollution in Utah. According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Air Quality, around 32% of the state's pollution comes from homes and businesses. By taking steps to adjust your thermostat and weatherproof your home, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills.

Adjusting Your Thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat is a simple yet effective way to improve your home's energy efficiency. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 68°F during the colder months and 78°F in the summer. By lowering the temperature in the winter and raising it in the summer when you are away or sleeping, you can achieve even greater energy savings. Programmable thermostats are a convenient way to automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule, ensuring comfort when you are at home and energy savings when you are away.

Weatherproofing Your Home

Weatherproofing your home involves sealing gaps, improving insulation, and enhancing ventilation to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce drafts. Here are some ways to weatherproof your home:

• Upgrade your windows: Energy-efficient windows can reduce drafts and improve insulation. Caulking or weatherstripping windows can also seal off any cracks and keep out cold air or snow.
• Improve door efficiency: Upgrading exterior doors can enhance energy efficiency and security. Weatherstripping and door sweeps can also help seal gaps and prevent air leaks.
• Protect your roof and gutters: Ice dams can cause damage to your gutters and shingles. Gutter protection systems can help divert water and debris, preventing ice buildup and protecting your roof and gutters.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Seal any cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and molding to prevent heat loss and air infiltration. Weatherstripping and door jambs can be effective solutions.
• Enhance ventilation: Clear any blockages from vents and ensure your HVAC unit is up-to-date to improve ventilation and reduce strain on your cooling or heating system.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts: Keeping gutters and downspouts clear and clean is essential for proper water diversion and preventing buildup or debris issues.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and lower your utility costs, creating a more comfortable and environmentally friendly living space.

Avoid idling your car and use electric or hand-powered lawn tools

Avoid Idling Your Car

Idling your car is a major contributor to air pollution in Utah. Modern cars do not need to idle, and by turning off your engine when stopped for more than 10 seconds, you can save fuel, money, and improve air quality. This is because idling wastes fuel and burns money without moving your vehicle, and it emits fine particulate exhaust emissions that increase ozone formation. Excessive idling can also damage your engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and exhaust systems.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most car manufacturers state that after 30 seconds of idling, the best way to warm up your car is to drive it. In fact, it takes less than 5 minutes to warm up the engine of a modern vehicle if the car is moving, while it takes the engine almost twice as long to warm up if the car is idling. So, the next time you are tempted to warm up your car by idling, remember that around 10.6 billion gallons of gasoline are wasted every year from idling vehicles.

There are a few simple ways to reduce idling. For example, if you are waiting in a long drive-through lane, consider turning off your car. If you are waiting for passengers, consider the weather and turn off the engine if the temperature is moderate. This is especially important when waiting to pick up children from school, as their lungs are more susceptible to damage from air pollution. You can also work with businesses and your workplace to implement anti-idling policies and reduce wait times in lines.

Use Electric or Hand-Powered Lawn Tools

Gas-powered lawn equipment, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers, produce a significant amount of air pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gas-powered lawnmowers account for 5% of air pollution in the United States and contribute even more pollution in urban areas. The emissions from one four-stroke lawnmower operating for an hour are equivalent to an average vehicle traveling 500 miles.

An easy way to reduce your emissions is to switch to electric lawnmowers, which have improved in recent years and are now light, easy to use, and quiet. They also do not emit the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that contribute to ozone formation. If you want a good workout, you can also opt for a hand-powered or reel mower, which gets the job done with zero emissions.

In addition to using electric or hand-powered lawn tools, you can also reduce emissions by upgrading your gas can to an EPA-approved model, which prevents fuel spills and reduces VOC emissions. Mowing your lawn after 7 pm also gives ozone-forming chemicals a chance to dissipate overnight, as ground-level ozone formation is more difficult in reduced daylight. Finally, you can participate in #NoMowDays and skip mowing altogether when air quality is poor.

Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances

Using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances is a great way to reduce pollution in Utah. By making the switch, you can lower your lighting costs by up to 75% and save around $225 in energy costs per year.

Energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs, use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also come in a variety of colours and some bulbs can be tuned to different colours or different hues of white light. LEDs are available as replacements for 40W, 60W, 75W, and 100W traditional incandescent bulbs, as well as reflector bulbs used in recessed fixtures, track lights, task lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and outdoor area lights.

When choosing energy-efficient light bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR rating to ensure high-quality products with the greatest energy savings. LEDs with this rating can be purchased at a discount from participating retailers in Utah.

In addition to light bulbs, there are also energy-efficient appliances available, such as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, biomass stoves and boilers, and smart thermostats. These appliances can help you further reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.

By using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to improving Utah's air quality.

Frequently asked questions