Making healthy choices is important, but it's not enough to counteract poor environmental conditions that affect our health.

Because our environment has a large impact on our health and well-being, an important part of living well is doing our part to take care of the environment. We can work together as proactive communities to foster a safe, happy, and healthy world for years to come.

Intermountain’s Air Quality and Health team created a series of patient handouts to help you know what you should do when air quality is poor. The handouts include instruction for pregnant women, children in early childhood years, people who work outside, and more.

10 Small Things You Can Do For Cleaner Air

Breathing polluted air can seriously affect your health. From watery eyes to coughing to serious respiratory problems, pollution puts a real damper on your health and well-being.

It's much more enjoyable to stay active when you're breathing clean air. Check out these ten simple things you can do to play a part in keeping our air clean and healthy.

At Home

  1. Avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers as much as possible. Many of these products emit nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas.
  2. Limit use of gas-powered tools like lawnmowers and leaf blowers—even small engines pollute.
  3. Avoid burning wood unless it’s your only source of heat.
  4. Grilling? Consider using a natural gas or propane grill instead of charcoal or wood.

On the Go

  1. Walk, jog, bike, or use another form of active transportation whenever possible. You’re doing yourself and the environment a favor.
  2. When driving, “chain” your trips together to reduce travel time and emissions—drive to the farthest destination first. Consider carpooling and car-sharing programs for routine commutes.
  3. Don’t idle. If you’re going to be parked longer than you’d be at a stop light, turn off your vehicle.
  4. Get to know your local mass transit system. Using buses, trains, and streetcars is a great way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
  5. In the market for a new vehicle? Factor fuel efficiency and emission estimates into your decision.
  6. Don’t fill up your car at the hottest time of the day. Filling up your car in high temperatures increases the amount of ozone released into the air.