Spare the Air is an essential initiative focused on improving air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program issues alerts and advisories to inform residents about air pollution levels, particularly concerning ozone in warmer months and fine particulate pollution during winter. When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, Spare the Air Alerts prompt residents to limit outdoor activities and adhere to restrictions on wood burning to decrease pollution.

The initiative also offers guidance for everyday actions to enhance air quality, such as using public transit, carpooling, and biking, especially on alert days. In addition to alerts, the program issues Air Quality Advisories during events like wildfires, when air quality may be affected but doesn't warrant a full alert. By connecting the community and emphasizing the collective nature of air quality issues, Spare the Air strives to empower individuals to take actions that contribute to cleaner air throughout the entire nine-county area.

Supporting this effort, the Bay Area Air District actively engages the public through educational resources and alerts