|
Each year drivers
in the Potomac Watershed release thousands of pounds of toxic
substances into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil
fuels. Many of these substances end up in the waters of the
Potomac. Additionally the increasing number of drivers has
lead to more roads being created. More roads mean more impervious
surfaces which causes rainfall to runoff quickly. Runoff does
not seep into the ground and therefore does not help recharge
our groundwater instead it moves quickly to streams and rivers
creating possible flash flood conditions. Here's what you can do to help:
Bring Every Quart Back! ICPRB and Advance Auto Parts have teamed up to help do-it-yourself mechanics combat motor oil contamination of the Potomac River and its tributaries. ICPRB, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency, Advance Auto Parts, and Safety-Kleen, will help show customers how easy it is to return used motor oil for recycling at more than 100 oil recycling drop-off lcoations in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Learn more about the Bring Every Quart Back! Campaign and how to properly change your oil with Advance Auto's Oil Change 101.
Reduce the amount
you drive. Reducing the number of miles you drive helps
the environment and also helps your pocketbook. You can save
money on parking, car maintenance, insurance, and fuel.
• Use public
transportation such as the metro, bus or train.
• Bicycle or walk when possible.
• Carpool or join a ridesharing program.
• Ask about telecommuting at least one day a week.
• Combine errands to minimize the number of miles you
drive.
Use and maintain
your car properly. If you do have to use your car, proper
use and maintenance can reduce it's impact on the environment
and prolong its life.
• Observe
the speed limit. Most of the energy used to move your car
is used in overcoming air resistance. The faster you drive,
the greater the air resistance and the lower your gas mileage.
• Avoid idling for long periods. Warming up a car is
not necessary, wastes fuel and creates pollution.
• Properly inflate your tires. Tires lose air over time.
Keeping them properly inflated saves gas and reduces the chances
of blowouts.
• Clean and replace your air filter regularly. A dirty
air filter decreases fuel efficiency.
• Change your oil and antifreeze with a professional.
Service stations recycle these fluids. If you change them
yourself, bring the fluids to a service station or landfills
for recycling.
• Wash your car at a car wash or on your lawn. Detergents
and heavy metals are then treated at a water treatment plant
or filtered by the grass rather than washing into streams
and rivers.
• Don't top off your gas tank. Topping off can lead to
small spills which add up over time.
• When buying a car purchase fuel efficient, low emissions
vehicles. Remember - your car is your biggest environmental
impact!
|
