Letter: A few suggestions to improve air quality
A few comments on your March 31 editorial about our air quality.
In 2004 I purchased a Toyota Prius for the sole purpose of having a cleaner operating automobile. Now that gas prices are going sky high I have a real savings. I average 48 miles to a gallon.
It would be nice to have a law to close all drive through windows but not necessary if everyone would just stop using them. Whenever I am at an establishment that has a drive through I park and go inside. I note the place I would be in the line of cars for drive through and 90 percent of the time I have been served and am on my way by the time my car would have gotten to the window for pick up.
Before purchasing the Prius I would always turn my car engine off while waiting at railroad crossings if I could not see the end of the train. With so many trains going through this valley there is a lot of idling and spewing of pollutants in the air while waiting for those long trains. With the Prius my engine automatically changes to electric power while idling.
Instead of using your air conditioner, use an oscillating fan to cool your immediate area. You will use much less energy and keep your cost down.
As far as sprinkling your lawn, it should be done at night or early morning when there is less evaporation. Also, look into drought tolerant plants for landscaping.
Do not use leaf blowers. If possible spend a little time and use a rake on your lawn and a broom on your sidewalks. The small engines on the blower are real polluters and they just stir up the dust and dirt to another area.
Cal Crane,
Madera
