How You Can Impact Air Quality All Year Long

It’s official – the 14th annual Clear the Air Challenge is over! Thanks to participation from our communities, businesses and individuals like you, we were able to reduce 365.1 tons of CO2 emissions, eliminate 55,179 trips, reduce 1,027,027.3 miles traveled, save $600,000, and burn 1.9 million calories in just 31 days.

However, just because July is over doesn’t mean we should stop being mindful of our air quality. The Clear the Air Challenge may be a month-long event, but the effects of Utah’s air quality on our community are felt year-round. Luckily, there are steps each of us can take to benefit air quality all year long:

At Home

If you participated in the Challenge, you’ve probably realized by now that small changes can make a big difference. By driving alone less, you’re not only reducing your emissions, but you’re also saving money on gas, maintenance and parking costs. Even though the Challenge is over, you can still use TravelWise strategies to get around. It’s a win-win for both you and our air!

Making a difference in air quality isn’t just about driving, either. At home, try making small changes like replacing old fuel containers, buying water-based paints and choosing green lawn and garden products. And, of course, don’t forget to flip off the lights whenever you leave the room.

At Work

During the Clear the Air Challenge, dozens of businesses and organizations across the state created teams to encourage their employees to drive alone less. Your organization’s commitment to air quality doesn’t have to end just because the Challenge did. Ask your coworkers if they would be interested in a carpool group. Or, see if there are any TRAX or bus stations near your office – it might be easier to use public transportation than you think.

If you are a part of your company’s leadership, see what you can do on an administrative level. UCAIR has established a grant program to encourage businesses, government entities and non-profit organizations to invest in emissions-reducing and energy-efficient technology. You and your company might just benefit!

In The Community

The air we breathe affects all of us, so we should all be involved in the conversation. Seek out community opportunities to get involved in clean air efforts by keeping your ears and eyes open! You can participate in air quality planning through the Division of Air Quality or other state and local government groups. Lend your voice and speak up for Utah’s air.

And, when the Clear the Air Challenge comes around again next year, don’t forget to participate! The Challenge depends on the participation of community members like you to be successful. The impact of our actions reverberates through the year, influencing the quality of the air we all share. By embracing simple changes at home, collaborating with colleagues at work and engaging actively within our communities, we are sowing the seeds of a cleaner, healthier future. 

For more ways you can support and improve Utah’s air quality, visit the UCAIR website.

2023 Clear the Air Challenge Results Announced

The Salt Lake Chamber, along with partners TravelWise Utah and Utah Clean Air Partnership – UCAIR, is excited to announce the results of the 14th annual Clear the Air Challenge. This year’s top honors go to Fidelity Investments for large teams and Architectural Nexus for small teams. 

“This past month has shown what we can achieve as a group of committed participants joining together for our air quality needs,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “The Clear the Air Challenge shows the strength of business doing good in the community, and highlights how each of us can make a difference to reduce pollution and collectively improve our quality of life. We congratulate all the businesses and individuals who participated by adopting Travelwise strategies to clear the air!”  

The Clear the Air Challenge is a month-long initiative undertaken by business, government and community leaders that encourages Utah residents to drive less and drive smarter during the month of July. Participants help improve air quality by avoiding trips alone in their car and using TravelWise Strategies such as carpooling, teleworking, taking public transit, biking or trip chaining.

“Summer ozone poses a real health challenge, and through the Clear the Air Challenge, we were able to highlight the actions we can individually take to make a difference for one another,” said Kim Frost, executive director of UCAIR. “Air quality is a continual challenge in Utah, but each year we can educate more people and empower them to develop healthy travel habits. We congratulate this year’s team winners, large and small, for leading by example and showing the impact that comes through collective effort.”

Over the past month, businesses and individuals from across the state participated in the annual competition to show their commitment to our environment and, more specifically, our air quality. Collectively, this year’s participants reduced 365.1 tons of CO2 emissions, eliminated 55,179 trips, reduced 1,027,027.3 miles traveled, saved $600,000, and burned 1.9 million calories in just 31 days.

Top Large Teams:

  1. Fidelity Investments (CO2 saved: 107 tons; Total Trips Eliminated: 14,336; Miles Saved: 290,235.7)
  2. State of Utah Agencies (CO2 saved: 81.3 tons; Total Trips Eliminated: 9,526; Miles Saved: 216,790.2)
  3. University of Utah (CO2 saved: 25.4 tons; Total Trips Eliminated: 5,227; Miles Saved: 75,828.5)

Top Small Teams:

  1. Architectural Nexus (CO2 saved: 15.9 tons; Total Trips Eliminated: 982; Miles Saved: 43,407.8)
  2. GSBS Architects (CO2 saved: 10.9 tons; Total Trips Eliminated: 1,764; Miles Saved: 32,171.7)
  3. Dell Technologies-Utah (CO2 saved: 6.4 tons; Total Trips Eliminated: 560; Miles Saved: 15,941.8)

“Fidelity Investments has always enjoyed participating in the Clear the Air Challenge since its inception 14 years ago. We were proud to join in again with more than 300 new associates in the Utah region,” said Lori Smith, Utah regional leader, Fidelity Investments. “As one of the largest corporate citizens in the area, we support all Utahns through our associates, customers, and surrounding communities to help reduce our environmental emissions and carbon footprint leading to better air quality for all.” 

The Clear the Air Challenge Community Supporters included Breathe Utah, Envision Utah, GREENbike, Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Utah Open Lands and Utah SBC (Small Business Council).

Thank you for a great Challenge!