MARC News

Have your organization join the free AirQ Workplace Initiative

February 9, 2007

MARC’s AirQ Workplace Initiative program partners with area workplaces to improve air quality in the Kansas City region. Over 75 companies and organizations provide their employees with ways to protect health and save money while reducing air pollution through this free program.

Typically Kansas City air quality is unhealthy 10-15 days per year on average. If temperatures in Kansas City are normal this summer, it is likely the area will violate the Environmental Protection Agency health standard for ground level ozone. Over half of ground-level ozone pollution is caused by everyday activities, such as mowing the lawn, driving, or using household solvents. Therefore, individual actions can actually help reduce pollution.

The AirQ Workplace Initiative offers practical solutions to reducing emissions at home and in the workplace. Participating employers receive regular tips to distribute throughout their workplaces via e-mail or newsletter articles. They also distribute Ozone Alerts when air quality is predicted to be poor so that employees can take steps to protect their health and reduce pollution.

This is the AirQ Workplace Initiative’s third year. The menu of options this year has been expanded to include brown-bag seminars, gas-cap testing events, and a commuter challenge.

To join the initiative, please visit the Workplace Initiative Web page, e-mail AirQ@marc.org, or call Joan Steurer at 816/474-4240.

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