Clean Air Contest: Big Results!
Ozone Action Challenge Winners
(Boulder County Clean Air Consortium)
This month, the Boulder County Clean Air Consortium
wrapped up the Summer Ozone Challenge, a contest encouraging Boulder
County residents to get out of their cars for cleaner air. More than 60
people participated in the contest. Collectively, they reduced emissions
of ozone-forming chemicals by 30%. Most achieved this by leaving their
cars at home to walk, ride the bus, or bike to work.
At a recognition ceremony held at the Boulder Farmers
Market, Boulder County Commissioner Tom Mayer awarded prizes to 50 contest
winners. The grand prize was a check for $250. Commenting on the
importance of these actions, Commissioner Mayer noted that Denver’s air
quality can be a serious health issue. “The Boulder County Clean Air
Consortium launched this program in the summer of 2003 when the Denver
Metro area had 50 unhealthy air days.”
The $250 grand prize was awarded to Angela Tirri-VanDo of
Boulder Associates, an architectural and interior design firm. Prior to
the contest, Angela drove her car to work every day from Westminster.
During the contest, she carpooled and took the bus. Because of this, she
only filled her car with gas twice during the 45-day contest period.
Angela said she not only saved money, but found the time on the bus
beneficial and relaxing. The $250 grand prize was only available to those
that normally drive to work each day. Gabi Hoefler, environmental health
specialist for Boulder County Public Health and the Consortium's contest
organizer, said, "We wanted to give people who normally drive each day a
real incentive to get out of their cars and experience an alternative way
to commute. Hopefully through this experience, they will continue this
behavior."
Collectively, contest participants did not drive 26,800
miles. This is about a 30% reduction of average travel miles. By reducing
this amount of vehicle use, contest participants reduced emissions of
ozone-forming chemicals by about 150 lbs. They also reduced Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) emissions, the primary contributor to global warming, by
26,800 lbs. Ozone occurs naturally approximately 10 to 30 miles above the
earth’s surface and forms a layer that protects life on earth from the
sun’s harmful rays. Ozone is also formed at ground level by a chemical
reaction of air pollutants combined with sunlight. “Ground-level” ozone is
an air pollutant that damages human health and the environment.
Commissioner Mayer thanked all of the Summer Ozone
Challenge participants for their efforts and the Boulder County Clean Air
Consortium for its leadership. Said Mayer, “This contest demonstrates that
with a little effort, together, we can make a big difference in air
quality.”
Top of Page
|
