In an effort to improve air quality in the region, the DuPage County Board approved a resolution on Tuesday encouraging residents and businesses in DuPage County to do their part in helping to reduce air pollution.

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new rules that tighten federal air-quality standards set a decade ago. Regional air quality, which met federal standards for the first time last year, will fail again under the new limit, according to the county.

The Illinois EPA offers the following suggestions to help reduce air pollution:

• Limit your driving – ride-share, carpool, walk or bike when possible;

• If you must drive, avoid idling and abrupt starts;

• Take public transportation – call 836-7000 (all area codes) for CTA, Metra or Pace schedule and route information;

• Refuel your vehicle after 7 p.m. when sunlight is not as strong;

• Delay using gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment and recreational vehicles – use an electric or push mower if possible;

• Use water-based paints instead of oil-based, and choose a product that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

• Use a charcoal chimney or electric starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid when using a barbecue grill;

• Limit use of household and personal products that cause fumes;

• Do not burn wood in outdoor fireplaces on Air Pollution Action Days;

• Conserve energy at home to reduce the energy need from power plants.

In addition, the IEPA offers the following suggestions for businesses to help reduce air pollution:

• Keep your vehicle fleet maintained.  Periodically check tire pressure and fuel caps and do not top off gas tanks;

• Promote low energy use practices at the work place such as biking to work, carpooling, in-house lunches and conference calls;

• Educate employees and cleaning staff on the benefits of using paint and cleaning products that are in low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ;

• Consider using electric maintenance equipment such as electric lawn mowers, weeders, blowers etc.;

• Lead by example.  Have upper management commit to these practices.

DuPage County is dedicated to assisting the IEPA and the USEPA in their efforts to reduce air pollution in Northeastern Illinois, the county said in a written statement. For more information on can be done to help improve air quality, visit the county’s Web site at www.dupageco.org/building and select “air pollution,” or visit www.cleanaircounts.org.