Spare the Air in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Spare the Air Program was established by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to educate people about air pollution and to encourage them to change their behavior to improve air quality.

On this site you will find daily air quality forecasts for the Bay Area, information about air pollution and its health effects, opportunities for community members and employees join up to prevent pollution, clean air tips, and a variety of other educational resources.

Spare the Air this Summer

The 2012 Spare the Air smog season runs from May 2 through October.

During these summer months when ground-level ozone, or "smog," becomes a pollution problem, the Air District issues Spare the Air Smog Alerts on days when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy.

All summer long, we urge residents to cut back on any activities that cause pollution - such as driving, using oil-based paints, gasoline-powered lawn mowers, or household aerosol products like hair sprays. On Spare the Air days, people who are sensitive to unhealthy air are advised to limit their time outdoors, particularly in the afternoon hours.

Spare the Air Alerts

Spare the Air Alerts will be announced in the local media and posted on the Spare the Air and www.baaqmd.gov websites. They will also be recorded at 1-800-HELP-AIR (1-800-435-7247).

Sign Up

You can receive notification of Spare the Air Alerts by signing up for e-mail AirAlerts, or downloading the Spare the Air widget to your website. 

Spare the Air Every Day 

Walk or Ride

Walking or riding a bike combines your daily exercise and your commute - save money and improve your health too!

Take Transit

The Bay Area has many transit options, many of which have wireless access and most use Clipper. Take the bus, ferry or train and you will save gas, money and stress. Find the fastest route on Trip Planner.

Carpool

Find your rideshare match at 511.org. Carpooling is one of the best ways to reduce air pollution from commuting, and you can exhale your day or catch up with colleagues and neighbors along the way.

Skip a Trip or Link Your Errands

Combine trips or eliminate one altogether. Your car emits more pollution when you start your car after it has been sitting for about an hour. By grouping your errands, you reduce the ‘cold starts’; plus you'll save gas and time by eliminating extra trips.

Drive Smart

A well maintained, well driven vehicle will get you much better gas mileage, especially if you avoid congested routes. Try out these tips to see firsthand.

Although the official 2011 Spare the Air smog season runs from May 2 through September, we encourage Bay Area residents and commuters to Spare the Air Every Day!