Do Your Part
Students and educators can submit a project to Indy Thriving Schools to take action.
Do Your Part
At Home
In Indiana, more than 84% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels.
We use electricity and gas every day in our homes, which comes from burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants into the air, including particulate matter and ozone-causing NOx and VOCs. Reducing the amount of electricity and gas you use in your daily life alleviates the amount of air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
- Turn off lights and appliances after use.
- Insulate your home.
- Maintain gas appliances.
- Only run the dishwasher and laundry when full.
- Use a water-saving showerhead.
- Ask your utility providers about a home energy audit.
- Buy Energy Star-certified products.
- Use LED light bulbs.
- Adjust thermostat settings seasonally.
- Participate in green options offered by energy providers.
- Open blinds and curtains for natural light.
- Open windows and use fans in warmer months.
Do your part
On the Road
Approximately 45% of ozone-causing pollution is produced by motor vehicles.
Most of us spend a significant part of our day behind the wheel of a car. Cutting back on the amount of time we spend driving is one of the simplest and most impactful actions we can take to improve air quality.
- Refuel after 7 p.m.
- Avoid overfilling on gas.
- Avoid idling.
- Make fewer trips.
- Maintain your car and tires.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops.
- Carpool or use public transit.
- Drive fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles.
- Ride a bike or walk.
Do Your Part
In the Yard
A single gas-powered lawn mower emits as much pollution in one hour as driving a car for 45 miles.
Just like gas-powered vehicles, most powered lawn equipment releases ozone-causing pollution into the air. Carefully planning your maintenance and making small changes to your lawn equipment can help make your lawn and your impact be a little bit greener.
- Mow after 7 p.m.
- Keep equipment well-maintained.
- Avoid fuel spills and drips.
- Mow with a reel mower.
- Trim with electric-powered equipment.
- Plant native plant beds.
- Use non-powered lawn tools.
Do Your Part
Our Food
Americans throw out as much as 40% of the food we grow. (U.N. Food & Agriculture Org.)
From food production and transportation to packaging and waste, the food we buy, consume, and throw out impacts every part of our environment, including the air we breathe. When we make responsible food choices, our health, our environment, and our communities see the benefit.
- Purchase sustainably-sourced foods.
- Avoid using drive-thru lanes to minimize time spent running your car.
Eat at restaurants within walking distance.
Purchase locally-produced foods.
Bring lunch in reusable / biodegradable containers.
Only purchase food you will consume.
