The Broward County Air Quality Program is committed to protecting, restoring and enhacing the air quality in Broward County for the health and enjoyment of residents and visitors.  The Air Quality Program works to ensure that the national ozone standards and other air pollutant standards are not violated.  An important focus of the program is increasing public awareness of air quality issues so that citizens can take actions to protect our air quality.

This interest in increasing public education and awareness on air quality issues led to the establishment of Clean Air Month.  Each May the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local air quality programs and local partners devote resources toward Clean Air Month public outreach activities.  Every resident affects the air we breathe by making choices about our daily activities; from driving our cars, to mowing our lawns, to our use of electricity.  Clean Air Month provides a forum for focusing on these issues through various outreach activities.  Clean Air Month activities include exhibits and display booths at various Broward County libraries and community events, a poster contest with the Broward County schools, and public service announcements on T.V. and radio, to name a few.

As residents of Broward County we have the responsibility for protecting and preserving the air quality in Broward County throughout the entire year, not just in May.  For example, we can all make  transportation choices for clean air , and learn about ozone and what can be done to prevent its formation.  Little things like turning out your lights and keeping your car tuned properly can make a big difference in preserving and protecting the quality of our air.  These actions also help reduce the impacts of climate change. 

• Purchase Energy Star Appliances
  Look for Energy Star qualified products in more than 40 categories, including TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners.  Save hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
• Adjust Your Thermostat and Clean the Air Conditioner Filter
  Move your thermostat up two degrees and save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.  Cleaning your A/C filters each month can save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
• Unplug Unused Electronics
  When electronic devices are turned off but still plugged in, they use energy.  You can save an average of over 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide by unplugging electronics regularly.
• Inflate Your Tires
  Keep the tires on your car adequately inflated.  Check them monthly.  Save 250 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
• Give Your Car a Break
  Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year.  Walk, bike, carpool, or use mass transit.
• Change Your Car's Air Filter
  Checking your car's air filter monthly and replacing it when needed could save up to 800 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
• Plant Native Trees
  A healthy tree can store 13 pounds of carbon each year.
• Use Recycled Paper
  Be sure to purchase 100% post consumer recycled paper.  Save 5 pounds of carbon dioxide per ream (and lots of trees).
• Take Shorter Showers
  Showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs.  Save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
• Change a Light
  If evergy American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

Calendar of Events -- pdf (42kb)

Clean Air Month Poster -- pdf (343kb)

Personal Emissions Calculator

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