“Commit to One Day, Help Keep Ozone Away” 2016-17 Ozone Campaign

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

What do the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD), residents of Maricopa County, nearly 100 stakeholders and partners and creatures from out of this world have in common? They’ve all joined forces to fight ground level ozone! Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, gasoline and diesel equipment, industrial and chemical processes and other everyday activities react to sunlight. Naturally, ozone pollution is more prevalent during the spring and summer months because these emissions — volatile organic compounds (VOCs, solvents and fuels) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) — react more readily from sunlight and in higher temperatures. Ground–level ozone can worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue. Residual effects from ground-level ozone are even more harmful to those with compromised lung functionality, the elderly and children. Additionally, if the Valley’s ozone problem is not corrected, more burdensome and costly regulations for controlling ozone may be imposed on businesses, negatively impacting economic development. To address this issue, MCAQD, nearly 100 businesses, industry, health and government stakeholders collaborated on a creative campaign to increase awareness and change behavior. Led by a cast of whimsical, out-of-this-world creatures, the “Commit to One Day, Help Keep Ozone Away” campaign, which officially launched April 1, 2016, was a lighthearted way to address a serious problem and encouraged residents to become “creatures of new habits.” Outreach components included advertising, billboards, flyers, freeway signs, mobile app alerts, newsletters, op-ed articles, presentations and radio and television PSAs. The first year of the campaign concluded Sept. 1, 2016, with noteworthy success. Ozone levels were some of the lowest in recent years with levels trending towards compliance with the 2008 health standard.