Third Annual Fresh Air Friday Event Attracts Hundreds

Hundreds of downtown commuters converged on Main Plaza in front of San Fernando Cathedral at noontime on Friday, April 3^rd to enjoy lunch in the pleasant spring sunshine and learn about the initiatives and measures can be taken both collectively and individually to improve air quality and reach other healthy, environmentally sustainable objectives.

The event attracting these downtown employees was Fresh Air Friday, which is sponsored by the Alamo Area Council of Governments and The City of San Antonio.  Fresh Air Friday is held at the beginning of April to draw attention to the start of the “Ozone Season,” a period that stretches through October, when air pollution in the San Antonio area tends to reach its highest levels. 

The primary type of air pollution in South Central Texas is ground-level ozone, and a major cause of ozone is the interaction of car exhaust and gasoline fumes with sunlight.  Walking to lunch rather than driving is one way that people can take an active role in reducing ground-level ozone and improving air quality. Fresh Air Friday promotes such activity by inviting the public to bring a brown bag lunch or a meal from a nearby kiosk or restaurant and enjoy music and other festivities on the plaza. 

Twenty-three government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and green businesses participated in Fresh Air Friday this year, with exhibits ranging from how to make simple rainwater catchment systems to the many easy ways one can save gas money and help reduce ozone at the same time.  As live music played in the background, several door prizes were awarded, and brochures, informational packets, free samples, and other promotional items were given out. 

One of Fresh Air Friday’s featured speakers was Mark Still, Assistant Vice President, USAA Employee Support Services, who discussed the measures his organization has taken to facilitate the adoption of healthy and earth-friendly commuting practices by its thousands of employees.  USAA serves as an example of how businesses can interface with government and individual initiatives to reduce pollution and create healthier spaces in which to live, work, and play.  Speakers from the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the City of San Antonio, and Bexar County addressed regional air quality and other “green” issues and initiatives. 

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