In Your Yard:

• Landscape your yard to reduce the use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment. Minimize grass while planting shrubs, native plants, wildflowers, ground covers, and more that need little maintenance, pesticides and herbicides.

• Use a propane or electric grill instead of charcoal. Lighter fluid can be harmful to the air. Maintain your propane tanks according to specifications. When you grill, use an electric or a chimney briquette starter to start your charcoal.

• Be wary of “vampire” appliances. These are appliances, such as coffee makers, paper shreaders, power adaptors and chargers for phones, razors, etc., that use electricity when not in actual use.

• Install low-flow shower heads. They use less water, and as a result, less hot water, which leads to less energy use in heating the water.

• Do your garden chores gasoline-free. Buy electric lawncare equipment.

• Reduce the use of gasoline-powered equipment like leaf blowers and chain saws when ozone is elevated. Put off lawn care for a day or two until the air is cleaner.

• Avoid activities that use small gasoline-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs), such as trail bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), chain saws, leaf blowers and lawn mowers.

• On ACOG Ozone Alert days, postpone outings on gasoline or diesel-powered recreational boats , because they are high pollution sources.

• If you must use a pesticide, use one that is applied in either granular or water-based solution because they do not contribute to the smog problem.

• Plant trees, shrubs and grasses around your house. The added shade will help lower air conditioning bills and the plants will help absorb CO2.

• Store gasoline in a tighty-closed container, in a cool, dark place.

• If you use a leaf blower, avoid using it as a dust broom. When cleaning sidewalks and driveways of dust, debris, choose a broom and dustpan. Blowing it around only adds to the particulate problem.

• Composting yard and garden waste protects our air, land and water resources while providing a rich garden fertilizer.

Consumer Products:

• Paint safely. Apply paint with rollers and brushes instead of sprays; it cuts down on fumes. Use water-based paints and solvents.

• Buy less toxic or nontoxic materials.

• Avoid consumer spray products.

• Properly dispose of all hazardous household materials.

• Make your own cleaning products with organic ingredients, such as vinegar.

• Keep all solvents and paints in airtight containers.

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed:

• Check the weather page of your local newspaper air quality information.

Conserve Energy:

• Be efficient. Turn off lights, appliances and computers when not in use.

• Set your air conditioning thermostat at the highest temperature that is comfortable.

• Buy ENERGY STAR equipment.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs).

• Weatherize! Sealing leaks and cracks, and adding insulation can lower your heat bill.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Check with your local utility for more conservation tips, and for seasonal rebate programs and incentives.

• Using a fan can make your air conditioned air feel seven degrees cooler. Use ceiling, table, or floor fans along with air conditioning.

• Turn off appliances when not in use.

• Conduct an Energy Audit. An energy audit is an inventory of all the things you can do at your home to reduce your energy needs. Once you've made your list, prioritize those things that will make the biggest difference on your gas and electric bills.

• Seal around windows and doors and add insulation in the attic, walls and crawlspace. This will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

• If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace insert, make sure it meets EPA design specifications. Burn only dry, seasoned wood.