Press Release

HEB Chamber of Commerce promotes Environmental Responsibility

Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Texas: For Immediate Release, April 20, 2007

Hurst Euless Bedford Chamber of Commerce reminds you that April 22 is Earth Day and encourages individuals to preserve and improve our environment. Air pollution season is May through October. Below are some tips on reducing your contribution to air pollution. Vehicles contribute as much as half of the air emissions that create air pollution. Reduce your pollution contribution by maintaining your vehicle.

Do your share for cleaner air by implementing one or more of the recommendations below:

Drive Less. Since 55% of the contributors to ozone pollution in the region is caused by emissions from vehicles, the most important thing you do is drive less.

Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained. You might be surprised to learn that the emissions from one poorly maintained vehicle can equal those from 25 properly functioning vehicles!

Pay Attention to Air Pollution Watch Days. High levels of air pollution occur from May 1 to October 31. So practice air pollution reducing behaviors every day during that time.

Combine Trips to Minimize Cold Starts. Most vehicle emissions occur when the engine and catalytic converter are cold.

Drive at Fuel-Saving, Moderate Speeds. Jack-rabbit acceleration forces more fuel into your engine than it can efficiently use.

Avoid Excessive Idling. We all know you can’t avoid rush hour in our region; it lasts almost all day! So avoid going through long lines at the drive-thru.

Put off Mowing or the use of Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment in the Morning on Air Pollution Watch or Warning Days. One gas-powered lawn mower running for an hour emits as much pollution as driving a well-tuned 1992 model automobile from Fort Worth to Houston and BACK! So put off these activities until the afternoon or evening.

For more information, visit www.dfwcleanair.com.

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For further information contact:
Minyon Levels, Communications Specialist
tel: 817.283.1521 fax: 817.267.5111
e-mail: minyonlevels@heb.org
website: www.heb.org