BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
According to the Utah Division of Air Quality, if all drivers living along the Wasatch Front were to park their cars just one day per week, vehicle emissions would be reduced by 6,500 tons per year. This means that every vehicle trip counts, and every mile you devote to smarter travel pays Utah back with cleaner, more breathable air.
The Clear the Air Challenge, issued by Governor Huntsman, Mayor Becker and Mayor Corroon, is a six-week competition starting June 1st that gives you the chance to reduce your vehicle emissions by choosing alternatives to driving alone using TravelWise strategies. By driving less and driving smarter, you will ultimately help improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and conserve energy in Utah. You will also be eligible for weekly and grand prize drawings by meeting straightforward, achievable travel goals.
Because air quality is a concern for all of us, we can’t afford to leave anyone out. That’s why this challenge is open to travelers of all ages throughout Utah, especially those in the Salt Lake Valley.
“Utah has a great opportunity to lead out and address some of our most pressing challenges with pro-active solutions. Our goal is to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and conserve energy for our state and its next generation of residents.” - Governor Huntsman
WHAT IS A TRIP?
A single-occupant vehicle trip is any trip you may take from point A to point B. By making small adjustments in your schedule, you can easily save vehicle trips throughout the day.
For example, if you have two places to go in one day (points A and B), instead of taking four separate trips from your home to each destination and back, you can travel from your home to point A, to point B and then back home. By making this small adjustment, you will have taken 3 trips instead of 4, and saved one trip.
- If you decide to ride your bike somewhere, you’ve saved 2 trips.
- If you run your errands on the way home from work instead of going home first, you’ve saved 1 trip per errand (work to library - 1 trip saved, library to grocery store - 1 more trip saved).
- If you carpool to your kids’ soccer game, everyone in the car but the driver saved 2 trips.
- If you work from home one day, you’ve saved 2 trips.
- If you walk to an event, you’ve saved 2 trips.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Throughout Utah, air pollution is reaching alarmingly unhealthy levels, and transportation emissions are responsible for 50 percent of ground level ozone. This means that the vehicle emissions we are producing are hazardous to our health and the health of our children.
Finding a solution to the air pollution issue has become a top priority for Governor Huntsman, Mayor Becker and Mayor Corroon. These leaders will recognize each person who actively participates in the Clear the Air Challenge and chooses to be part of the solution.
» Learn MoreCHALLENGE GOALS
The challenge is open to all travelers excited about smarter alternatives to driving alone. Whether you’re completely new to TravelWise strategies, or a seasoned veteran, we encourage you to participate.
ELIMINATE 300,000 TRIPS
SAVE 1,000,000 MILES
As an individual, you have three weekly goal categories to choose from:
Gold
— 12 trips per week eliminatedSilver
— 8 trips per week eliminatedBronze
— 4 trips per week eliminated