What Can Employers Do?

Actions Employers Can Take

The following will help your organization reduce its air pollution footprint.

 10 Actions to Improve Air Quality

1. Share Air Quality Action Day Info. When you receive Action Day Bulletins, share them with your employees, members and customers so they know when it's going to be an Air Quality Action Day and what choices they can make to reduce air pollution. While Air Quality Action Days are still days when people can go about most of their normal activities, such as going to work, driving may be one of the most polluting activities that people do on that day.
2. Go Public! Encourage everyone to take public transportation at least once or twice a week. Let your employees know about the benefits of public transportation, from improving air quality to saving money. Contact 511NY Rideshare for assistance.
3. Let Employees Wear Pajamas. Develop a telecommuting policy that lets employees work at home (in their PJs, if they want) on Air Quality Action Days or every day.
4. Encourage Employees to Carpool or Vanpool. It cuts down on vehicle emissions and improves office camaraderie and networking. Contact 511NY Rideshare for assistance.
5. Promote Walking or Biking on Non-Air Quality Action Days. The exercise will be good for employees' health to get blood flowing and minds working. It also means fewer cars on the road and less air pollution.
6. Provide Lunch. Nothing inspires people to change their lifestyle like free food. Provide a free lunch periodically, especially on Air Quality Action Days, so people don't have to leave (and drive) to dine.
7. Encourage Refueling After Dark. On Air Quality Action Days, encourage employees to refuel their cars in the evening when less air pollution forms. If you have fleet vehicles, refuel those at night as well.
8. Spread the Word. Let everyone know about Clean Air NY. Your organization's efforts will be recognized, and everyone will know how to improve New York's air quality, to live better and to breathe easier.
9. Bug Us! That's right—bug us for more information on establishing or improving your organization's commuter benefits options. We'll connect you with 511NY Rideshare.
10. Develop a Commuter Benefits Program. This could include allowing employees to pay for transit passes using a pre-tax allocation through their paycheck; this may provide your organization and employees with tax benefits. Your organization may even be eligible for grant money! Contact 511NY Rideshare for information on how to set up a commuter benefits program.