The Kentucky Division for Air Quality works hard every day to help ensure clean air for all Kentuckians -- inspecting air pollution sources, responding to complaints from citizens and maintaining a statewide monitoring network.  But individuals also have a role to play in keeping our air clean.  Every time you use energy -- whether burning wood, gasoline, diesel or electricity -- you are contributing to air pollution in your community and those downwind of you. 

Saving energy helps your pocketbook as well as your lungs.  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Purchase Energy Star- rated products, from lightbulbs and appliances to home entertainment systems.
• Change a light and save about $30 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. 
• Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
• Perform regular vehicle maintenance and make sure tires are properly inflated.
• Lawn care for cleaner air - mow your lawn and refuel your vehicle during cooler morning and evening hours.
• Trees cool the area around your home, reducing your summer cooling bill, and act as natural air filters.
• Transit Tips - combine errands and reduce car trips whenever possible.
• Open burning - avoid burning trash, which is illegal and highly polluting.
• Buy local - local goods reduce pollution and costs incurred by long-distance hauling.

If every Kentuckian took one or more of the above actions, the impact would be tremendous – because it all adds up to cleaner air.