IDEM: Put sole into the holidays, Use hoof-power to run errands,

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Every year, Santa's fleet of reindeer provides enough hoof-power to propel his sleigh around the world. The good news is that Santa is doing his part to cut back on vehicle emissions.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) suggests following Santa's lead and planning ahead for shopping trips and errands so they, too, limit impacting the environment.

Instead of driving from store to store, try "hoofing" it. "Motor vehicles are a significant source of ozone-forming air emissions in Indiana, so if shoppers can combine their trips or do more walking, this all helps the environment," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly.

"Planning your route in advance and shopping with friends can help conserve gasoline and reduce automobile emissions. Air quality is important to consider throughout the year, and small changes can help make a large impact to the environment and Hoosier health."

Holiday shoppers use hoof power in downtown Indianapolis. Alternative transportation and trip planning can help protect air quality, even during the winter months.Because motor vehicle emissions are the single largest source of volatile organic compounds, fine particles and benzene, an air toxic, and IDEM encourages Hoosiers to take small actions every day to reduce these emissions.

The easiest ways to reduce vehicle emissions is by driving less and eliminating unnecessary idling. Many Hoosiers idle their vehicles during the winter to allow the heater to begin warming the car, however, this is unnecessary because the engine creates more heat when it is being driven, warming the vehicle more quickly than an idling engine.

"We want people to think about alternative ways to travel," said Commissioner Easterly. "Walking, riding a bike, taking a bus or carpooling helps improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion, which reduces air emissions even further."

For more tips to make your home more environmentally-friendly, visit www.HoosiersCare.IN.gov. Information about recycling throughout the year can be found at www.recycle.IN.gov.