Environmental Services promotes sustainability in Fort Collins - driving programs, policies and partnerships to support a healthy and resilient community. From waste reduction to air quality, climate action and beyond - thank you for reading and being involved. Stay informed, stay inspired, and let’s make a difference together!  

Summer means days at Horsetooth, rafting the Poudre, and swimming in the City Park pool: everyone’s trying to stay cool! The hottest time of the year is here, and it brings with it wildfire season and air quality concerns. Read on for some innovative ways to stay safe and fire-aware this summer while (bonus!) improving energy efficiency in your home.

Continue reading to learn more about:

• Energy-efficient cooling at home
• Tips for breathing easy in smoky skies
• The Air We Share: Education Event on August 12th (TOMORROW!)
• Radon Awareness Event: October 4th
• How to turn off your engines to improve air quality!

Our Climate Future in Action Challenge is a monthly opportunity to take part in a sustainability activity and enter to win a gift card or other prize!

There are lots of creative ways you can stay cool and comfortable in your home during the summer, even without air conditioning!

For this edition’s OCF Action challenge – we want to hear how you’re keeping your home cool! Send us stories or pictures of innovative, energy efficient ways you’re cooling down your house this summer. Submit entries to recycling@fcgov.com, winners will be selected in September!

Check out some of the ideas that Environmental Services came up with, could some of these be tried in your home?

Ideas for Action:

Easy to do:

• Use a fan and open windows at night instead of A/C (tip: set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise, to push the breeze downwards).
• Create a path for air to flow in your home by slightly opening windows on opposite sides of your home

Moderate effort needed:

• Cool Down Outside: During the day’s hottest hours, go to a pool or park to cool off and turn your A/C a few degrees higher when you leave.

Above and beyond (You're super cool!):

• Upgrade Your Home: Installing new insulation, a smart thermostat, or a heat pump can really help save energy! If you are a Fort Collins Utilities electricity customer, consider a free advising session.

In recent summers, Colorado, including Fort Collins, has experienced intense wildfire seasons, and there are currently wildfires burning in Colorado. This can contribute to poor summer air quality in Northern Colorado.

Wildfire smoke can seriously impact your health. Here’s how you can stay safe:

Step 1: Be Smoke Aware!

Use these tools to check the air quality and to be aware of wildfires.

• Fort Collins Visibility Cameras: View real-time conditions and check levels of ozone, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides.
• EPA Fire & Smoke Map: See fire locations, smoke plumes, and Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. A mobile app is also available for AQI tracking on the go.
• Sign-up for NOCO Alerts for wildfire evacuation and other emergency alerts.

Step 2: Protect Your Health

Limit exposure by staying indoors and reducing physical activity during smoky conditions.

Inside Your Home

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use your central air system on ‘recirculate’ mode.
• If you don’t have central air, use a non-ionizing portable air purifier to create a clean air room.

Important note: The recommended home temperature range is between 64-77 degrees. If your home does not have AC, and closing windows during smoke events causes your home to overheat, please open your windows or stay in a place where you can keep cool! 

In Your Car

• Keep windows up and use ‘recirculate’ mode.
• Replace cabin air filters every 20,000–30,000 miles.

August 12th, 6:00-8:00 PM, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Interested in how Fort Collins is tackling air quality and climate change? There is still space to join the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department and key community partners TOMORROW (August 12th, 6-8pm) for a dynamic panel discussion exploring the past, present and future of air quality and climate action in our city.

We'll share insights, stories, and strategies shaping "Our Climate Future" - and we want to hear from you! Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your ideas as we work together toward a cleaner, healthier Fort Collins.

Did you know that just one minute of idling releases more carbon monoxide than smoking 3 packs of cigarettes? And idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more fuel and creates more pollution than turning your engine off and on again.

The good news? You have the power to reduce this harmful pollution. Whether you're waiting to pick up a child from school or stuck at one of Fort Collins’ infamous train crossings, simply turn off your engine and help everyone breathe a little easier.

Did you know gas-powered lawn mowers also contribute to air pollution? Make the switch to a cleaner, quieter option! Take advantage of a 30% statewide discount on electric mowers at participating retailers — no vouchers, trade-ins, or sign-ups required.

Are you a food truck vendor or work at a school and want more info?  Check out the Engines Off Program from our friends at the Regional Air Quality Council for further resources.

October 4th, 1:30-4:30 PM at Old Town Library

Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Join the Healthy Homes team to learn all about radon, its health impacts, and how you can protect yourself and your family. Visit us for presentations, giveaways, refreshments, and more! This event is completely free and open to everyone. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Stay up-to-date on our Fort Collins community's efforts in climate action, clean air, recycling and waste reduction. Get practical tips and updates that support a thriving and sustainable City!