Henry Daily Herald

Special Photo McDonough resident David Jones teleworks twice each week for his job in Buckhead. Jones said doing so saves him money and time to spend with his 3-year-old daughter, Addison.

McDONOUGH — David Jones relishes the early morning breakfasts he has with his 3-year-old daughter before he has to start work.

“It’s the beauty of having a toddler. She’s up the same time every day, regardless,” said Jones, of McDonough.

Most days of the work week, Jones quickly finishes his breakfast and shoots out the door on an hour-plus trek to his job in Buckhead. But twice a week, he becomes one of the more than 600,000 metro Atlanta teleworkers whose working at home saves gas expenses and reduces air pollution, according to Mike Rieman, a spokesman for the Clean Air Campaign.

This week, The Clean Air Campaign has been promoting the Third Annual Georgia Telework Week, scheduled from Aug. 20-24.

“I was thrilled to have the chance to spend more time at home,” said Jones, who has been a part-time teleworker since his wife became pregnant with their daughter. “I like working this way.”

Jones said he also participates in the Clean Air Campaign’s Commuter Rewards Program, and has won a gift card through the program that requires he report his efforts to save on miles driven to work.

He described the program as a win-win for those wanting to reduce air pollution and save money for their households. He estimates he saves more than a tank of gas each month, and more than 20 hours of driving time, by working from his home.

“I can save roughly $50 to $75 a month, just in gas expenses by not making that trip every day,” added Jones.

This week’s retail gas prices have remained above levels of a year ago, matching highs from this past spring, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. And while many metro Atlanta commuters are seeing those average prices around $3.72 per gallon of regular unleaded gas — up from $3.42 per gallon this time in July — the father said he is relieved to know teleworking is an option.

“It’s benefited me,” said Jones. “I would encourage people to look into it.”

The Clean Air Campaign also has been talking up its school programs. Rieman said more than 300 schools in 38 districts implemented Pool to School, Ride the Bus For Clean Air and No-Idling programs to educate students, parents, teachers and staff about what they can do to improve air quality.

Eight schools in Henry County are involved in the campaign’s programs: East Lake Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Flippen Elementary, Hampton Elementary, Hampton Middle, McDonough Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, and Walnut Creek Elementary.

“Student involvement is paramount to the success of our programs,” said Gretchen Gigley, director of education for The Clean Air Campaign. “Having students engaged on air quality and transportation projects not only fosters a deeper educational experience and reinforces core student skills, but it also builds momentum for future community involvement. With more tools available this year, we are excited to see how Georgia students use them to effect change.”

For more about The Clean Air Campaign, visit www.cleanaircampaign.org.