Simple Steps Better Air

Save your breath for the run, not the traffic! We teamed up with the Regional Air Quality Council's program Simple Steps. Better Air. to cut down on race-day emissions and pre-race stress:

🚗 Ride-share or carpool with your running buddies
🔑 Turn off your engine while waiting in the park
🌙 Refuel your vehicle after 5:00 PM to keep daytime ozone down

Let’s keep the views clear and the air clean for race day. Text BetterAirCO to 21000 to sign up for free Ozone Action Day text alerts along the Colorado Front Range and tag your carpool buddy below!

Gas prices are painful at the pump. But did you know that you can save money while filling up and reduce air pollution on Colorado’s Front Range at the same time?

Here's three tips to save money on gas — and improve air quality:

1. Stop at the first click when you fill up. Filling past the automatic shutoff can make your car less efficient and even result in a costly repair.

2. Maintain your car. Regular maintenance improves gas efficiency. Keeping your tires properly inflated and getting regular oil changes ensures that you’re getting the best gas mileage possible — and avoids the creation of unnecessary air pollution.

3. Carpool and combine trips. Drive a little less by combining trips, which helps you save money on gas and has a dramatic impact on our air!

And finally, swap short car trips when able for walking, biking, or taking transit! Also check out discounts and rebates on e-bikes, EVs, and more, from your local city, county, or the state of Colorado.

Learn more at our blog: https://simplestepsbetterair.org/how-to-save-money-on-gas-and-improve-air-quality/

When we work together, there's nothing we can't accomplish! Thank you to our Silver Sponsors, Air Care Colorado, Simple Steps for Better Air, and Biodesix for helping us champion clean air and lung health in Colorado. We can't wait to see you at Run the Rocks!

The air has cooled and the days are getting shorter, which means fall color is just around the corner. Experts are predicting that our fall leaf-peeping season will happen even earlier this year: The extended drought and record heat we’re experiencing in 2026 is putting extra stress on our trees.

But individual actions still matter in this challenging climate! And one of the best steps you can take at home is to ditch your old high-emitting gas-powered leaf blower for a quieter, cleaner electric version this fall.

Learn more at our latest blog:
https://simplestepsbetterair.org/how-to-get-30-off-a-new-electric-leaf-blower-in-colorado-and-why-you-should/

Denverites! The Denver E-Bike rebate return on Tuesday, September 8, at 11:00 A.M. for its last release of 2026.

Join the 10,000+ Denverites who are commuting, running errands, and enjoying Denver’s outdoors and bike trails on e-bikes!

🚴Save up to $900 on your new e-bike:
1. The rebate voucher from Denver is $675
2. You can stack your rebate with the $225 State of Colorado E-Bike Tax Credit

IMPORTANT: Denver’s e-bike rebate can NOT be stacked with the State of Colorado e-bike rebate. While the Tax Credit is available to ALL Coloradans, the Rebate is for income-qualified homes.

Learn more and how to prepare in advance for the next rebate release at the city's website: https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-and-Resiliency/Take-Action/Individual/EBikes

In mid-August, the Regional Air Quality Council 's Mow Down Pollution program partnered with ACE Hardware and City of Longmont for a trade-in event for gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

⏱️💸‼️ And there are still some vouchers remaining for Longmont residents, extended through today, Aug. 31st!

First, register here, then bring your registration confirmation to ACE Hardware as proof of your voucher. ACE Longmont (1727 Main St.) asks you to leave your equipment for trade-in on the sidewalk, then check in with an ACE associate inside the store.

Ace + RAQC Electric Lawn & Garden Program Registration for Longmont Residents Please complete this registration form to receive your electric lawn equipment voucher. The City of Longmont will use this information to track the impact of this program. Once you complete registration, you'll receive a confirmation email. Please show the confirmation to an Ace Hardware employee to...

Here’s a back-to-school quiz you can ace: What’s one easy way you can have a surprisingly big effect on kids’ health in the school pick-up line?

Answer: Just shut off your car when you’re waiting to pick up the kids after school!

Vehicle exhaust in that line of cars at school (or anywhere) can have serious consequences on kids’ health. Because children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, they get a higher dose of pollutants when they come in contact with vehicle exhaust.

Want to learn more about what caregivers can do, so kids can breathe easier in the school drop-off and pick-up zone? Check out our latest blog:

https://simplestepsbetterair.org/engines-off-at-school-for-kids-health/

Thank you to everyone who came out and grabbed lunch last week during Air Quality Day at Civic Center EATS! Hosted by Civic Center Conservancy, we were joined by Love My Air Denver (City and County of Denver Government), Trek Systems, Ace Hardware, and Denver CASR.

There was great food, music, and conversation about our summer air quality issues here in the Front Range — and what we can do about it! Including, leaving the car at home and walking, biking, and scooting for shorter distances. And, the state's 30% discount on electric lawn and garden equipment!

We also loved seeing the solar array running Charlie’s on the Go!

And if you live, work, or play in Denver — consider making a 6 second video as part of Denver Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency Denver Climate Project's initiative to compile a critical mass of individuals taking action on climate in their everyday lives! Learn more about it here: https://dcp.videouploadtool.com/

Want to stay in the know about future events, grant opportunities, and what you can do about summer ozone pollution? Sign up for the Regional Air Quality Council newsletter at our website: https://raqc.org/email-signup/

Join us this week for Air Quality Day at Civic Center EATS!

This Wednesday, August 19th from 11am to 2pm, on the west side of Civic Center Park.

https://simplestepsbetterair.org/air-quality-day-at-civic-center-eats/

Purchase lunch at one of the many local food trucks available and learn about summer air quality in the Colorado Front Range!

And on Air Quality Day, you can score a prize if you walk, bike, or bus to Civic Center EATS! Stop by our table and tell us how you got to EATS, to spin our wheel to win giveaways.

Air Quality Day at Civic Center EATS - Simple Steps. Better Air. Air Quality Day at Civic Center EATS August 19, 2026 from 11am-2pm 1435 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80247 (Bannock St on the west side of Civic Center Park, in front of the Denver City & County Building) Share this event online! Facebook Twitter Email Threads SAVE TO MY GOOGLE CALENDAR SAVE TO MY OUTLOOK...

Curious as to why summer ozone is such a big deal in the Front Range?

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or local leader, the Simple Steps. Better Air. website has an easy-to-read FAQ page that’s perfect for learning and sharing with your community to stay informed and healthy during ozone season.

Why this matters for our communities:

Ozone forms on hot, sunny days, exactly when kids are playing and people are exercising. And, ozone can make it harder for people with asthma or lung conditions to breathe. But small changes daily from many people can reduce emissions that contribute to ozone pollution!

Help spread awareness in your community, for better air that supports a healthier future for everyone.

https://simplestepsbetterair.org/faq/