How Do Prizes and Achievement Badges Work?

If you’ve participated in the Clear the Air Challenge before, you might remember that as you log your TravelWise trips throughout the month, you unlock achievement badges. These badges show what you’ve accomplished during the Challenge, and they also serve as entries into our weekly opportunity drawings. Long story short: the more badges you unlock, the better chance you have to win.

Achievement Badges

There are three types of badges that participants can earn during the Challenge. The first type is activity achievements, which are automatically unlocked as trips are logged. These badges include achievements like “First Carpool” and “Log 10 Trips.” 

The second type of badge is action achievements, which are unlocked after completing various actions such as liking the Challenge’s Facebook account or sharing on social media. In order to unlock these badges, participants must fill out their corresponding forms after completing the action. 

The third type of badge is skill achievements. These include achievements like the “TravelWise Pro” and “UCAIR Follower” badges and are awarded when participants learn more about the Challenge or other educational topics. Similar to the action achievements, these badges require completion of their corresponding quizzes prior to unlocking.

To view available achievement badges and their forms, visit the TravelWise Tracker homepage and scroll down. You can also view your earned badges on your dashboard. 

Prizes

There are several opportunities to win prizes during the Clear the Air Challenge. Each week, we randomly select several participants to win a gift card to a local restaurant or business, tickets to area attractions and more. Each badge earned during that week counts as one entry into the weekly drawing, and winners are notified via email.

Additionally, at the end of the Challenge, the top three participants who save the most emissions will win grand prizes:

First Place: Utah Camping Kit

  • Utah State Parks Pass
  • REI Two-Person Backpacking Tent
  • IGLOO Cooler

Second Place: A Day at the Zoo

  • Hogle Zoo Duo Annual Membership
  • Portable Cooler

Third Place: Picnic in the Park

  • Pendleton Portable Picnic Blanket
  • $50 Smith’s Gift Card

Note: The Clear the Air Challenge is as accurate as the data entered by participants. Therefore, entries are diligently monitored to ensure that Challenge results are accurate. If there is an entry in question, the participant is contacted and the entry is verified. Additionally, the grand prizes must be picked up in person at the Salt Lake Chamber office.

If you have further questions about the Challenge, achievement badges or prizes, contact us at info@cleartheairchallenge.org. We wish you the best of luck!

Clear the Air Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

The 2023 Clear the Air Challenge is just a week away, and we have heard from many of you that you’re as excited as we are! As we count down the days until July 1st, we want to answer as many questions as we can in order to prepare you for a successful Challenge:

  • How do I join a team if I’m already registered for the Challenge? Simply log into the TrackerWise Tracker, select the “Edit Profile” button on the left-hand side, click “Select My Networks” and use the drop-down menu to find your team.
  • What counts as a trip in the TravelWise Tracker? A single-occupant vehicle trip is any trip you may take from point A to point B. A trip from point B back to point A is considered a second trip. Ask yourself: How many trips would I normally have taken? How many trips did I take? The difference between the questions is your trips saved. For example, If you decide to ride your bike somewhere, you’ve saved 2 trips. If you carpool to your kids’ soccer game, everyone in the car has saved 2 trips. If you telework from home one day, you’ve saved 2 trips.
  • How does the Challenge ensure accurate results? The Clear the Air Challenge is as accurate as the data entered by participants. Therefore, entries are diligently monitored to ensure that Challenge results are accurate. If there is an entry in question, the participant is contacted and the entry is verified.
  • Do teleworking meetings instead of face-to-face meetings count when the meeting is out of state count? Teleworking to meetings out of state do not count as trips saved. Although you are doing your part for nationwide sustainability, this Challenge is geared specifically to Utah. Therefore, only trips saved in Utah are counted.
  • If you use a fuel efficient or electric vehicle, do your trips count? Electric vehicles count, however, hybrids are not included in this distinction.
  • Do you count trips saved if you drive your vehicle to a public transportation outlet or to a carpooling meeting spot? Yes. Even though you are still driving to a destination, you are saving additional miles you would have driven. If you drive to a carpool meeting spot or a public transportation outlet, you can count two trips saved.
  • What if I forget to log my trips? Don’t worry, you have until August 3rd to log all trips taken in July before the results are counted for the official Challenge results. 

Do you have other questions? Reach out to us at info@cleartheairchallenge.org with any concerns. We’re here to help make your Challenge a success!

2023 Clear the Air Challenge Kicks Off

Clear the Air Challenge lasts one month to build Travelwise habits and improve air quality

The Salt Lake Chamber, along with its partners Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) and TravelWise, kicked off the 14th Annual Clear the Air Challenge today. Issued by business, government and community leaders, the Challenge is a month-long competition designed to encourage Utahns to reduce their vehicle emissions by choosing alternatives to driving alone.

“We are excited to launch the Clear the Air Challenge again this year to keep air quality front and center for our communities,” said Gary Hoogeveen, chair of the Salt Lake Chamber and president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power. “Our partners here today represent leaders who seek solutions and ways to help improve air quality and put their actions behind their words. No solution is perfect for maintaining clean air, but we know practical actions exist that can yield significant outcomes. By empowering ourselves through education and actively minimizing our environmental footprint, we can genuinely enhance the quality of our air.”

Nearly half of the pollutants that contribute to Utah’s poor air quality can be attributed to transportation emissions. By adopting more intelligent driving practices, you have the ability to safeguard the health, environment, economy, and quality of life in Utah. To achieve this goal, participants of the Clear the Air Challenge actively employ TravelWise strategies such as carpooling, utilizing public transit, teleworking, trip chaining, as well as walking, biking, or using scooters, all aimed at reducing emissions and promoting the improvement of Utah’s air quality.

“At UCAIR, we place immense importance on understanding the driving forces behind behavioral change and the environment,” emphasized Kim Frost, executive director of UCAIR. “The Clear the Air Challenge plays a key role in helping businesses and individuals understand the significant impact their actions can have in clearing our air. When individuals recognize the efficacy of their efforts, they are far more inclined to embrace behavioral shifts, not just during the Challenge, but throughout the year.”

One of the key objectives of the Challenge is to raise awareness among Utah residents regarding our air quality concerns. In prior years, the Challenge took place in February, aligning with the winter inversion period when air quality visibly deteriorates. However, again this year, the event will be held in July to address Utah’s summertime ozone issues. Though not as visible, summertime ozone is equally harmful, yet its detrimental effects are less commonly known among the general public.

“By carpooling, biking, walking, or using public transportation whenever possible, we reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “But this challenge goes beyond individual actions. It requires a collective effort. It takes collaboration between businesses, organizations, and community leaders. When we support sustainable practices and policies that prioritize clean air, we provide the next generation of Utahns with a healthier future.”

Since the Challenge started in 2009, participants have helped make a big difference in improving Utah’s air quality. In that time, participants have eliminated more than 1.3 million trips, saved more than 20 million miles and reduced their emissions by more than 6,700 tons.

“We’re proud to join the Clear the Air Challenge again this year,” said Lori Smith, Utah regional leader at Fidelity. “The Challenge serves as a great educational opportunity for our communities on the impact of poor air quality and a heightened sense of awareness that together, through our choices, we can help create a healthier future for all Utah residents.”

By encouraging employees to participate, businesses can create a team to make an even bigger impact. The Clear the Air Challenge begins July 1.

How to Participate:

  1. Sign up on the Clear the Air Challenge website at cleartheairchallenge.org and create an account.
  2. Challenge friends and co-workers to participate as a team or individually.
  3. As a business owner or team manager, send out the challenge fact sheet available in the Startup Toolkit to your employees that explains what the challenge is and why they should participate.

Questions? Contact info@cleartheairchallenge.org.

Improving Your Transportation Strategies in Three Easy Steps

No matter who you are or how you travel, you have the power to make a significant impact on improving Utah’s air quality. By incorporating TravelWise strategies into your daily commute and beyond, you and your fellow Utahns can play a crucial role. In fact, it only takes three simple steps to explore alternative transportation options that can make a positive difference while adding a touch of freshness to your routine:

Step 1: Travel Less, Breathe More

The first step towards cleaner air is reducing the need for travel. Take a moment to consider if your workplace is within walking or biking distance. Embracing these active transportation options not only promotes a more active lifestyle but also saves you time by avoiding traffic congestion. To discover Salt Lake City’s bike routes and ensure a safe ride, check out the Salt Lake City Transportation and GREENbike websites.

Another fantastic option is teleworking. It’s a great way to save fuel, time, and money on car maintenance and parking fees. If the air quality isn’t ideal, why not approach your employer about teleworking on those days? Employees benefit from increased flexibility and an improved work environment, while employers gain a competitive recruiting advantage and reduced overhead costs. 

Step 2: Travel Efficiently, Make an Impact

The second step in improving Utah’s air quality is adopting more efficient transportation methods. Carpooling or vanpooling can lead to significant results by coordinating schedules with coworkers who live nearby. Imagine only driving to work half the time! Set up a driving schedule, establish a meeting place, and decide on a pick-up time. Plus, carpooling offers the added perk of using the HOV/express lane, making your commute smoother and faster.

By choosing mass transit options, you actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Utah offers a growing number of convenient transit choices, such as FrontRunner, TRAX, and UTA bus services. Before you hop on board, check routes, fares, and service times at rideutah.com for a hassle-free experience. Riding transit not only benefits the environment but also improves your overall health. Did you know that transit users take 30% more steps each day than those who rely on cars? 

Step 3: Trip Chaining, Efficiency Gaining

Trip chaining is a strategy that involves planning your trips strategically to avoid rush hour traffic and group errands together. Instead of heading home first, consider running errands on your way home from work. Beating rush hour traffic not only saves you time but also conserves gas and contributes to cleaner air. Remember to plan your trips in advance to maximize efficiency. The Utah Department of Transportation commuter website is a valuable resource for information on traffic congestion, accidents, and safety.

For additional smart travel tips and ways to help improve Utah’s air quality, don’t forget to visit cleartheairchallenge.org. Together, let’s make a difference and embrace alternative transportation strategies for a cleaner and healthier Utah.

Clear the Air Challenge: What You Need to Know About Ozone

During times of air quality issues, many articles and social media posts will mention “ozone” as a factor. However, many people are uninformed about what ozone is and does, and how it can potentially affect their health. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and informed:

What is ozone?

Ozone, also referred to as O3 or simply ‘smog,’ is a pollutant of pale blue gas with a distinctive, pungent smell. The oxygen we breathe is made of two oxygen molecules, while ozone is made up of three oxygen molecules. However, ozone has different effects in different regions of the atmosphere. In the upper atmosphere (roughly 12-19 miles above ground), ozone is naturally occurring and even beneficial, serving as a shield against certain types of ultraviolet radiation. At ground level, ozone is created from human sources and contributes to air pollution. Ground level ozone can cause health problems like difficulty breathing, and long term, it can even act like a sunburn on the lungs.

Who is sensitive to ozone air pollution?

There are four main groups of people who are especially vulnerable to the effects of breathing ozone: children, older adults, people with preexisting lung or respiratory conditions, and those who work or exercise vigorously outdoors. These groups are at higher risk of becoming sick by exposure to ozone, and may experience reduced lung function, inflammation of the airways and other symptoms.

How can I check the air quality in my area?

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has an air quality forecast tool that helps  determine how the highest pollution level of the day will affect people with various health conditions. The action forecast also notifies the public of the voluntary or mandatory actions (e.g., carpooling, wood burning) they need to adhere to for the current pollution levels. You can even download the UtahAir app or sign up for email alerts to stay informed.

What can I do to reduce ozone air pollution?

Luckily, we are not powerless when it comes to managing air quality. By traveling smarter, individuals can reduce their emissions and thereby improve Utah’s air. During July, the Clear the Air Challenge is encouraging Utahns to reduce single-occupant trips and track the money and emissions saved by using the TravelWise Tracker. Already, participants have logged almost 400,000 miles of alternative travel strategies such as carpooling, public transportation and trip chaining. These measures also decrease ozone pollution on the ground level and keep our communities healthy.

For more information on Utah’s air quality or to check the ozone levels in your area, click here.

Are You Ready for the Clear the Air Challenge?

The Clear the Air Challenge begins in just one month! From July 1-31, join us in being more aware of the trips that you take and making an effort to choose alternatives to driving alone, such as carpooling, using public transportation and working remotely on bad air quality days. In order to make the Challenge a success, here are five easy steps you can take to do your part in clearing Utah’s air: 

  1. Register and set up your team. If you don’t already have an account, create one today! This takes less than two minutes and gives you access to the TravelWise Tracker, a software that keeps track of the emissions, miles and trips you save when you don’t drive alone. You can also join or create a team, whether it be your business or organization, or even just a group of friends.
  2. Invite others to join the Challenge. Tell your coworkers, family, and friends about the Challenge and encourage them to join you! We amplify our impact when we work together. If you’re part of a team in your office or organization, contact your team manager for your team’s join link and circulate it to others.
  3. Educate others. If you are knowledgeable about the Challenge, help others learn how to register, plan their travel, and use a variety of TravelWise strategies. Recirculate Clear the Air Challenge social media posts (find us on Facebook and Twitter) to spread the word. Increasing awareness about eco-friendly transportation strategies helps all of us!
  4. Encourage your team. Maintaining momentum can be difficult in our busy world, but you can help! Periodically check in with your teammates, and don’t forget to celebrate your victories, even the small ones. 
  5. Practice logging your trips. Although the Challenge officially begins July 1st, you can practice using the TravelWise tracker to log your trips any month out of the year! Simply go to the TravelWise Tracker Dashboard and enter your distance and mode of travel to calculate your impact. This page can be accessed on mobile, or you can even download the Commute Tracker app. This way, you’ll be ready when trips start counting towards our Challenge goals in July.

Thanks for your involvement, and good luck! If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please reach out to info@cleartheairchallenge.org.