Preventing Pollution: Simple Human Actions For A Cleaner World

Humans can take several steps to prevent pollution and protect the environment, ecosystems, and their health. While some sources of pollution may be outside an individual's control, such as industrial emissions, there are still many ways to reduce their impact on air quality. For example, humans can opt for walking or cycling instead of driving, or choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. They can also reduce their energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and choosing renewable energy suppliers. Additionally, humans can avoid burning garbage and solid fuels, limit meat and dairy consumption, and plant trees to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. These small changes can collectively make a significant difference in preventing pollution and mitigating its harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Reduce car journeys and opt for walking or cycling

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In Washington, they are the largest source of air pollution. Car emissions have a substantial impact on air quality, and reducing the number of miles driven is the most effective way to decrease air pollution from motor vehicles.

One way to reduce car journeys is to opt for walking or cycling for shorter distances. This will not only reduce air pollution but also keep you active and reduce wear and tear on your car. Walking or cycling to your destination will emit zero pollutants, which is especially beneficial for children's health. Air pollution is directly linked to respiratory infections and other diseases that account for 15% of all under-five deaths. It is also linked to asthma, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and dementia. By leaving your car at home and choosing to walk or cycle, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality.

If walking or cycling is not feasible, you can also consider carpooling or using public transportation. Carpooling with friends or neighbours can reduce the number of cars on the road and decrease emissions. Public transportation options such as buses or trains are also more environmentally friendly than individual car journeys.

In addition to reducing car journeys, it is important to maintain your vehicle properly. Keep your car in good repair and ensure that it is serviced regularly. Check your tire pressure monthly, as under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage and cause your car to use more fuel. By combining these measures with a reduction in car journeys, you can make a significant impact on preventing pollution.

Switch to electric vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are an essential part of the solution to the problem of air pollution. Traffic is a significant contributor to carbon pollution, and electric cars and trucks emit fewer carbon emissions than their gas-fuelled counterparts. Over their lifetime, EVs emit fewer carbon emissions, with 3,932 pounds of carbon equivalent per year, compared to 11,435 for gas-powered vehicles.

EVs are more energy-efficient, using 87-91% of the energy from the battery to propel the vehicle, whereas gasoline vehicles only convert 16-25% of the energy from gasoline. This means that even when accounting for the electricity used to charge the vehicle, EVs are still more efficient and have a smaller carbon footprint.

Furthermore, EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, which is a significant source of air pollution. However, it is important to note that the electricity used to charge EVs may create carbon pollution, depending on how the electricity is generated. For example, using coal or natural gas emits carbon pollution, whereas renewable sources like wind or solar do not.

To support the transition to EVs, governments and organizations are implementing various initiatives. These include financial incentives for EV purchases, investments in EV charging infrastructure, and the development of standards and regulations for vehicle emissions.

In addition to the environmental benefits, switching to EVs can also bring health benefits. Pollution is particularly dangerous for children, as their bodies are still developing and they have smaller lungs. By reducing emissions from transportation, the switch to EVs is expected to prevent millions of illnesses in children by 2050, according to a report by the American Lung Association. This includes reducing the risk of respiratory and heart problems, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods tend to be located in more polluted areas, and the adoption of EVs can help address environmental justice concerns. Additionally, with sufficient planning and upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure, the increased electricity demand from EV growth can be managed without overloading the power grid.

In summary, switching to electric vehicles is a crucial step towards reducing pollution, improving air quality, and protecting the health and well-being of people, especially children, living in polluted areas.

Avoid backyard fires and burning household waste

Backyard fires and burning household waste are a major source of air pollution. They release various compounds that are toxic to the environment, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particle pollution. Backyard burning is also a frequent cause of residential, brush, and forest fires, especially during drought conditions.

Burning household waste was a common and accepted practice in previous decades when trash was primarily made up of wood and paper. However, with the introduction of new technology and products, household trash now often contains plastics, coated paper, and other unnatural materials. The addition of these synthetic materials has increased the levels of pollution produced by open trash burning.

Open burning in burn barrels generates relatively low temperatures, usually between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and does not efficiently combust materials. This causes the release of many different types of pollutants into the air, which can lead to severe health issues, especially for children, teenagers, pregnant women, older persons, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

One of the chemicals released through trash burning is dioxin, which can wreak havoc on the body when inhaled, leading to adverse reproductive development, suppression of the immune system, disruption of hormonal systems, asthma attacks, cancer, and other health problems. Dioxins are dangerous even at extremely low levels.

Backyard burning is particularly dangerous because it releases pollutants at ground level, where they are more readily inhaled or incorporated into the food chain. The smoke from the fire can deposit chemicals on garden vegetables and soil, which can then be ingested by humans and animals. Repeated burning at the same location can also lead to a buildup of toxic substances around the burn area or burn barrel.

To avoid backyard fires and burning household waste, individuals can reduce their waste, reuse products, recycle, and compost plant-based kitchen and yard waste. It is also important to be considerate of neighbors and the environment, as smoke from backyard fires can cause unhealthy conditions for hundreds of people, especially those with asthma and other lung conditions.

Use energy-efficient appliances

Using energy-efficient appliances is a great way to reduce pollution and waste. Energy efficiency is about using technology to help avoid or reduce energy waste, so you can still perform daily tasks but with less energy usage. This is beneficial for your wallet and the broader economy.

Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances

When purchasing new appliances, look beyond the upfront cost and consider the energy efficiency of the product. Check for the EnergyGuide label and pick an Energy Star appliance. Energy Star is a program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies the more energy-efficient appliances, complying with rigorous energy efficiency standards. Energy Star appliances are designed to reduce energy consumption by optimizing performance, and they often come equipped with advanced technologies that enhance functionality.

Install and Maintain Appliances Properly

Ensure that your appliances are installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Improper installation can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy consumption. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep your appliances running smoothly and efficiently. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines, which may include tasks such as cleaning filters, coils, and vents, and checking for leaks.

Optimize Settings

Many appliances have customizable settings that can be adjusted to maximize energy efficiency. For example, set your refrigerator and freezer to the recommended temperatures (37-40°F for the refrigerator and 0-5°F for the freezer) to prevent energy waste. Use the appropriate cycle and load size settings on your washing machine and dishwasher to reduce water and energy consumption.

Full Loads and Air-Drying

Whenever possible, run full loads in your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, but be mindful of not overloading them as it can reduce efficiency. Instead of heat-drying your clothes and dishes, try using air-drying features or hanging your laundry to dry outdoors. Air-drying removes the need for the extra energy required for heat drying.

Unplug When Not in Use

Even when turned off, many appliances continue to draw standby power, also known as "phantom power." Unplug appliances when not in use, and consider using power strips to completely switch off power to multiple devices at once. This is especially important for infrequently used devices that may be left plugged in for extended periods.

By following these tips and using energy-efficient appliances, you can reduce your energy consumption, lower your environmental impact, and save money on your utility bills.

Cut down on meat and dairy

According to scientists, cutting down on meat and dairy is the single most effective way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Animal farming is responsible for over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions from our food, and meat and dairy account for almost 15% of total global emissions.

Meat and dairy production uses the vast majority of farmland (83%) and produces 60% of agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions, yet it provides just 18% of our calories and 37% of our protein. This means that eating meat and dairy is a very inefficient way to get energy. For example, cows and sheep burp methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, while trying to digest grass.

How to Cut Down

• Set realistic goals: You could try going meatless for lunch, limiting yourself to one meat-eating day a week, or starting with one vegetarian day a week.
• Make gradual changes: Swap out the ham in your sandwich, use vegetarian mince instead of meat mince, or substitute oat milk for dairy milk.
• Try vegetarian or vegan alternatives: Find restaurants that offer vegan and vegetarian options, or use apps like Happy Cow to discover new spots.
• Start with the biggest emitters: Cutting lamb and beef from your diet will have the biggest impact on your carbon emissions.
• Learn new recipes: Try Meat Free Mondays for recipes, background information, and a carbon calculator to measure your impact.
• Understand your nutrition: Make sure you know what foods you need to stay healthy. The Vegetarian Society has information about nutrition on its website.

The Benefits

By cutting down on meat and dairy, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, protect wildlife, and improve your health. It is a win-win for both the planet and your well-being.

Frequently asked questions