Sample Letter to Employees
You can modify this letter for your co-workers or employees and send it as an informational flyer for the current ozone season.
Dear (employee name),
We have seen a dramatic decline in ozone levels in southeastern Wisconsin since 1970, but our region is not meeting clean air standards . (Your company name) and other area businesses are working together to reduce the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)-the prime ingredient in "bad" ozone formation-that are produced at the workplace.
VOCs even come from the emissions of our personal cars. It is correct that these days the cars we are driving are cleaner--due to improved emission systems and reformulated fuels-but the amount of vehicles on our roads have increased six times over in the last 30 years and the effects of so many vehicles are having an adverse influence on the air we breathe.
In southeastern Wisconsin there are 100,000 people who suffer from asthma and many others with respiratory illnesses. Everyone is being affected one way or another by high levels of ozone.
That's why (your company name) is participating in the Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air Program - to reduce ozone levels in southeastern Wisconsin. We want to improve air quality and reduce health risks for you, your children, the elderly and for asthma sufferers.
But we need your help in order to improve air quality. Actions which reduce the likelihood of ozone formation are important on any day, but they are extremely important when we are alerted that an Air Quality Watch is issued. We will be: posting signs to let you know that ozone levels could reach unhealthy levels the following day, remind you of some of the steps you can take to reduce air pollution here at work, and give you ideas on how you can reduce VOC emissions at home.
There are simple things like carpooling if you go out for lunch, postponing the use of gasoline powered lawn mowers, or combining trips on your way to or from work to reduce miles traveled and the number of cold engine starts.
This year, Air Quality Watch will be called in over 20 localities including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. (Your company name) is hopeful that you will join us in working together to lower the amount of pollutants entering our environment. Please watch for the Air Quality Watch notices this summer.
Sincerely,
Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air
Program-Coordinator