According to a recent study by the CDC, only a quarter of American children walk or bicycle to school, which is most likely contributing to the country’s growing problem of childhood obesity. The number of overweight teens has tripled since 1980, and there has been a dramatic increase in Type II Diabetes, once unheard of in kids. In addition, Denver-area commuters waste an average of 45 hours a year in traffic, ranking the area as the 7th most congested in the nation.

These facts combined with the knowledge that car and truck emissions are the primary contributor to global warming make the lessons learned in the Feet First program extremely relevant to today’s youth.

FACTS AND TIPS

1. FACT: When you first start a car after it has been sitting for more than an hour it pollutes up to five times more than when the engine is warm.
   Combine your errands into one trip and you'll get things done faster and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
    
2. Don't Top Off the Tank: Topping off releases gas fumes into the air and cancels the benefits of the pump's anti-pollution devices. So stopping short of a full tank is safer and reduces pollution.
    
3. FACT: Colorado is stil the nation’s thinnest state but only by 1/10 of a percentage point! Walk and ride your bike as often as you can to keep yourself and our state lean.
    
4. Take Mass Transit, Share a ride or carpool. Even if you reduce driving just once or twice a week, you'll reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and save money. The average automobile driver spends about 44 cents per mile including ownership and maintenance.
    
5. Other Stuff You Can Do: Avoid using household products with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Don't use gas-powered yard equipment; use electric instead. Don't use charcoal lighter fluid when you barbecue; use a charcoal chimney, electric starter, or propane grill.
    
6. Get Fuel When It's Cool: Refueling during cooler periods of the day or in the evening can prevent gas fumes from heating up and creating ozone. And that can help reduce Spare The Air days.
    
7. Take Things in Stride: Walk or in-line skate instead of driving. These are easy ways to get exercise and they are easy on the air.
    
8. Care for Your Car: Regular maintenance and tune-ups, changing the oil, and checking tire inflation can improve gas mileage, extend your car's life, and increase its resale value. Maintenance can also reduce your car's emissions by more than half.