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Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
Emma Crandall of Sandy City Parks Recreation
The Department of Environmental Quality’s Choose Clean Air campaign kicked off April 29 with 85 participants kicking up their heels during a second annual 5k run/walk at Hidden Valley Park in Sandy to draw attention to ozone and what Utahns can do to breathe easier during the dog days of summer ahead.
“I walk every weekend, and I support the cause,” said Michele Straube, among the walkers and runners of all ages who participated in the event co-sponsored by Sandy City Parks and Recreation and the Utah Asthma Task Force. “Clean air is vital for our quality of life.”
There were no cash prizes for the winners, just an opportunity to share in the message that summer air pollution brings with it health hazards, like inflamed lungs and other respiratory problems. The DEQ campaign, patterned after the winter “Red-Light Green-Light” campaign, is designed to alert Utahns to deteriorating air quality and encourage them to take voluntary measures to reduce air pollution.
“Even the smallest steps like consolidating your errands in one simple trip do make a difference,” said Renette Anderson of DEQ’s Office of Planning and Public Affairs and organizer of the event.
The primary problem during summer months is ozone, an invisible gas formed when vehicle emissions combine with heat and sunlight. Not surprisingly, the campaign is geared toward encouraging more car pooling and greater use of mass transit, fewer trips to the store, and not running lawn mowers and other gas-powered equipment during the heat of the day.
“I carpooled the last two days and I am mindful of the problem,” said Marilee Royle, who brought her two teenage children to participate. “The exercise season is on and spring is a good time to get outdoors.”
About 85 people took part in the 2nd Annual
Choose Clean Air 5k Walk/Run
Matt and John LaFrance, 22-year-old twin brothers from Salt Lake, attended the race to “support the cause” and “run a 5k,” Matt said. Matt ended up winning the event with a time of 19 minutes 46 seconds.
“We are very active during the summer time. We live near City Creek Canyon, and clean air keeps us outdoors,” John added.
Division of Air Quality (DAQ) staffers were on hand to lend their support as course guides and to distribute bagels, water and other goodies contributed by Wild Oats, Einstein Bagels, Costco and McDonalds.
“It is great to see everyone out here to support an important message like this,” said Cheryl Heying, branch manager of DAQ.
For information on air quality conditions, visit www.cleanair.utah.gov.