Maricopa County Air Quality Departments Launches “Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day!” Campaign
News Flash • Maricopa County Air Quality Departments Launche Maricopa County, AZ
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Air Quality Awareness Week: Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day!
PHOENIX (May 7, 2024) – In honor of Air Quality Awareness Week, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is pleased to launch this summer’s “Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day!” campaign. This campaign aims to reduce the harmful effects of ground-level ozone on air quality and public health by encouraging individuals to take action at least one day a week to help reduce air pollution in Maricopa County.
Maricopa County experiences prolonged exposure to sunlight due to its unique geographical and meteorological conditions. The long summer days serve as the perfect catalyst for chemicals released by cars, trucks, and industrial facilities to react and form ground-level ozone. Exposure to this type of air pollutant is harmful to the health of humans and pets, especially for those suffering from existing respiratory issues, such as asthma and bronchitis.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Through the Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day campaign, MCAQD provides education resources, incentive programs, and tips to help our community be part of the solution. One of MCAQD’s incentive programs is the commercial and residential Mowing Down Pollution Program. It is available to County residents, and participants receive a voucher to trade in their functioning gasoline-powered lawn equipment for a new battery or electric device at participating Home Depot locations, thus limiting the use of air-polluting devices.
MCAQD also encourages drivers to avoid idling as much as possible by turning off their engine when waiting in long lines, such as school pick-ups or drive-thrus. Community involvement is also critical to help reduce pollutants emitted by on-road vehicles, which are a major contributor to ground-level ozone.
Maricopa County remains committed to its efforts to reduce ground-level ozone and improve air quality. MCAQD Director, Phil McNeely, explains, “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. By opting to adopt new habits and commit to just one day a week and reduce the number of vehicles on the road, we can have a positive impact on air quality for years to come.”
Ozone Pollution Prevention Tips:
- Promote remote work to reduce traffic.
- Drive less by carpooling, van pooling, or using public transportation.
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines by parking your car and going inside.
- Ride your bike or walk to work.
- Refuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Delay painting projects until High Pollution Advisories have passed.
The Help Keep Ozone Away, Commit to One Day campaign is part of MCAQD’s ongoing efforts to promote clean air and a healthier environment for Maricopa residents. For more information on the campaign and ways to reduce ground-level ozone pollution, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.
Download the Commit to One Day campaign toolkit>>
Media Contact [English/Español]:
- Ari Halpert
- Communications Department Officer
- 602-501-1266
- Ari.Halpert@maricopa.gov
About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
MCAQD’s mission is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn.
Download MCAQD’s Clean Air app! It is free to download and use and is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad and on Google Play for Android.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
There are no specific indicators mentioned in the article. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
- Number of days with high ground-level ozone levels
- Number of participants in incentive programs to reduce air pollution
- Reduction in the use of air polluting devices
- Reduction in the number of vehicles on the road
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of days with high ground-level ozone levels – Number of participants in incentive programs to reduce air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Number of days with high ground-level ozone levels – Reduction in the use of air polluting devices – Reduction in the number of vehicles on the road |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Number of days with high ground-level ozone levels – Reduction in the use of air polluting devices – Reduction in the number of vehicles on the road |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: maricopa.gov
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