Individual Actions You can Take to Improve Air Quality
In Your Community
Urban areas now account for 81 percent of the U.S. population and the vast majority of Wisconsin’s population live in urbanized areas. Site and street design, land use density, and zoning practices affect transportation choices. People in mixed-use compact communities drive 30-50% less than those in sprawling communities. Compact communities are easier to serve by public transportation and to reach destinations by biking or walking. Organizations and individuals can:
Participate in Community Planning Efforts-
- Promote land use and street design practices which make walking, bicycling or transit more practically viable and appealing;
- Participate in an analysis of area transportation needs; and/or
- Participate in the planning of bicycle trails, transit routes and park-and-ride lots that can serve the community or business area.
Help Educate and Inform People Living and Working in the Community-
- Work cooperatively with other organizations to promote public understanding of air quality issues through the distribution of literature and/or presentations to community and employee groups;
- Work with schools or youth organizations to promote an understanding of the sources and effects of air pollution, and actions which can be taken to address the problem; and
- Work with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources to organize opportunities that expand the knowledge of persons who are coordinating the Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air effort at schools and worksites.
Provide Support Services and Information Sharing at Work or School-
- Develop a transportation resource center or displaying posters promoting the use of transit, ridesharing, bicycling or walking;
- Distribute informational and promotional materials to employees or students; and/or
- Offer emergency rides home to employees who do not drive an automobile to work.