Image by AzamKamolov from Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/vectors/education-back-to-school-1545578/

It’s that time again!  Summer breaks are ending and kids are heading back to school and college. 

This would be a good time to think about renewing commitments to clean air practices as routines get busier. 

With kids going back to school, traffic will be busier – there will be more cars and busses on the road.  Thus, it’s important to remember to keep cars maintained and be mindful of reducing idling.  Try to time school dropoffs and pickups with less time sitting in the dropoff/ pickup line. For kids going to the same campuses, consider carpooling with other families or consider letting kids walk or bike to school together. 

Remember to be extra cautious in school zones: watch for those kids who may be walking or biking in school zones as well as those who may be getting on or off a school bus!   Don’t forget to sign up for air quality alerts and take extra precautions on those days, especially if outdoor activities are planned.  

We aren’t done with the 2026 ozone season yet!  Hotter temperatures and sunny days at the end of summer go along with the potential for high ozone days, so watch for days that may reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups air quality index or higher.  With the start of the new school year, try to include a recommitment to your efforts for cleaner air!