Month: June 2026

In recognition of National Dump the Pump Day, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) offered free monthly transit passes in partnership with Metro Transit and the St. Clair County Transit District – valued at $78 – during a 24-hour registration period. The response was overwhelming. Nearly 1,000 St. Louisans signed up to give transit a try with 250 monthly passes quickly claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Recognizing the incredible demand and opportunity to introduce more people to transit, CMT expanded the effort to ensure no eligible registrant was left out by distributing one-day passes to all others.  

This initiative is giving hundreds upon hundreds of new transit riders the opportunity to experience firsthand how convenient, reliable and cost-effective public transportation can be. Whether commuting to work, running errands or exploring the region, MetroLink and MetroBus helps riders save money on gas and parking, avoid traffic and reduce vehicle wear and tear. By encouraging more people to shift away from single-occupancy vehicles, the effort also plays an important role in improving air quality across the bi-state region by reducing emissions and taking cars off area roads.  

“The overwhelming response reinforces a simple truth: when people are given the chance to try transit, they embrace it,” stated Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “We are creating new riders, building momentum and showcasing how accessible transit can be for everyday trips across the St. Louis region—all while helping reduce the number of vehicles on the road and contributing to cleaner, healthier air for our communities.”  

To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org. 

Anders CPA is a St. Louis-based firm offering advisory, audit and assurance, and tax services to businesses of all sizes, helping clients stay focused on what they do best while navigating complex financial and operational challenges. 

Rooted in its mission to help others achieve their highest potential and its commitment to giving back, Anders brings that same mindset to sustainability. The firm’s participation in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge reflects its focus on making a meaningful impact, both within its organization and across the region. Their guiding philosophy, “Delivering the Power to Dream Big,” extends beyond business goals to include building a stronger, healthier community. 

As a first-time Challenge participant, Anders quickly made an impact through efforts that combined education, collaboration and action. The firm’s sustainability initiatives have helped raise awareness, encourage responsible practices and strengthen partnerships with organizations committed to environmental progress across the St. Louis area. 

In 2025, Anders reached several key milestones in advancing its sustainability efforts. The firm launched its inaugural Green Team to lead initiatives and serve as ambassadors across various departments, helping embed environmentally conscious practices throughout the organization. Team members were invited to get involved through the Green Business Challenge, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and engagement. 

Anders also implemented practical changes to reduce its environmental footprint, including upgrading water filling stations and providing every employee with a reusable tumbler to reduce single-use bottles and cups. Furthermore, the firm reviewed office supply purchasing to identify and transition to more sustainable alternatives, reinforcing its commitment to thoughtful resource management. 

Additional efforts during the Challenge included partnering with building management to conduct a sustainability audit, identifying opportunities for continued improvement and minimizing waste by donating or recycling outdated materials. Notably, Anders recycled old books in bulk through a local full-service single stream recycling service, Always Green Recycling, ensuring items were diverted from landfills while supporting responsible disposal practices across the region. 

“In our first year in the Green Business Challenge, we’re taking our first steps: learning, experimenting and discovering where we can make the most impact,” said Ellen Moro, marketing specialist for Anders CPA. “It’s been an inspiring start, and we’re committed to continuing this momentum as we grow our sustainability efforts.” 

Anders’s growing list of sustainability initiatives reflects a deeper commitment to community impact. From launching its Green Team to implementing everyday changes that reduce waste, the firm is demonstrating how businesses can play an active role in protecting both people and the environment. 

For more information about Anders CPA or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair. 

The Fourth of July is a time to gather, celebrate and enjoy the summer, but it’s also one of the most challenging days of the year for air quality. Between fireworks, grilling and increased travel, pollution levels often spike, making it harder for everyone—especially children, older adults and those with lung conditions—to breathe easy. 

The good news? With a few simple choices, you can still enjoy the holiday while helping protect the air we all share. 

Why air quality matters on the Fourth 

Fireworks may be a beloved tradition, but they release a mix of harmful pollutants, including fine particles and gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs, irritating airways and triggering asthma symptoms or other breathing issues.  

In fact, air pollution levels can rise significantly during Independence Day celebrations, by as much as 42% on average, according to a study from the American Lung Association. That spike can linger into the next day, particularly on hot, still nights when pollutants get trapped near the ground.  

Fourth of July also falls during peak ozone season in the St. Louis region, when high temperatures and vehicle emissions and fuel sources combine to form ground-level ozone. This is another pollutant that can cause coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.  

Simple ways to celebrate more cleanly 

Small choices can make a big difference in reducing pollution and protecting lung health. Consider these air-friendly tips as you plan your holiday: 

• Skip personal fireworks
  Instead of setting off your own, attend a local, professional display. Community shows reduce the number of individual fireworks lighting up neighborhoods, helping lower overall emissions.  

• Explore cleaner alternatives
  Swap fireworks for glow sticks, LED lights or even drone and laser shows. These still create a festive atmosphere, without the smoke. 

• Be smart about grilling
  Grilling is another contributor to summer air pollution. Use propane or electric grills instead of charcoal, or delay grilling if an ozone action alert is in effect.  

• Drive less, breathe better
  Combine trips, carpool, bike or walk to gatherings when possible. Fewer vehicles on the road means fewer emissions contributing to ozone levels.  

• Cut back on idling
  Whether you’re waiting in line or picking up guests, turn your engine off. Reducing idling is one of the simplest ways to cut unnecessary pollution.  

• Reduce waste at your gathering
  Choose reusable or compostable party supplies and plan meals carefully to avoid food waste, keeping your celebration as sustainable as possible. 

Protect your health while celebrating 

If you notice smoky conditions or an elevated air quality forecast, take extra precautions. Staying indoors, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and checking daily air quality updates can help you make safer choices, especially for those with asthma or existing respiratory conditions.  

Make it a cleaner celebration 

Every action—big or small—adds up. This Fourth of July, celebrate not just independence, but a commitment to cleaner air for everyone.  

To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X at @gatewaycleanair. 

Hundreds of miles of trails on both sides of the river connect to transit stops, making it easy—and seamless—to explore the region using a combination of bus, train and trails. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is therefore partnering with St. Clair County Transit District, Great Rivers Greenway and Madison County Transit to encourage residents to “Mix Up How You Move” this summer. Through Aug. 31, area residents are encouraged to visit MixUpHowYouMove.com to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass (valued at $5 and good for unlimited rides on MetroLink and MetroBus on the day of their choosing), and to get information about the interconnecting trail systems in St. Louis, St. Clair and Madison counties with direct access to transit. 

Beyond offering a fun and flexible way to get around, this initiative also supports cleaner air across the St. Louis region. By choosing transit, biking or walking instead of driving for even a portion of daily trips, residents can help reduce vehicle emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone and poor air quality, especially during the warmer summer months. 

“With trails and transit so well connected throughout the region, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “This summerlong initiative makes it simple, affordable and fun for residents to leave the car behind and mix up how they move. Our hope is if St. Louisans try it for fun and see the benefits, they may be willing to try for more trips, including work.” 

Great Rivers Greenway has 140 miles of greenways across the St. Louis region, including the St. Vincent, Brickline and River des Peres greenways, which connect to the UMSL North, Rock Road, Wellston, Grand Cortex and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Centers. St. Clair County Transit District’s MetroBikeLink System consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County, Ill. The main artery of the MetroBikeLink System is a trail running adjacent to the MetroLink alignment. It begins at the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center and extends 14 miles, connecting the College, Belleville, Swansea, Memorial Hospital and Fairview Heights Transit Centers. A seventh station will soon be added, as a 4.3-mile trail nears completion as part of the MetroLink expansion to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Madison County Transit has 138 miles of scenic interconnected trails in Madison County, Ill., connected to the Madison County Transit fixed-route bus service. 

“There are so many great ways to get around the St. Louis region, from greenways and trails to public transit, and we’re excited to encourage community members to get outside and try a new way of getting to their favorite destinations,” said Claire Mueller, communications manager for Great Rivers Greenway. 

Visit MixUpHowYouMove.com through August 31 to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass and gain access to trail maps.