Simple Ways To Fight Air Pollution

Air pollution is a serious global health problem that demands action from individuals and governments alike. While the greatest sources of outdoor air pollution are often beyond the control of individuals, there are still many things we can do in our daily lives to reduce our impact on air quality. This includes reducing our energy consumption, choosing sustainable products, and limiting our exposure to harmful chemicals.

For example, individuals can contribute by walking or riding a bike instead of driving, taking public transportation, and consolidating errands into one trip. When driving, accelerating gradually and obeying the speed limit can also help. Additionally, maintaining your vehicle and keeping your tires properly inflated are simple ways to reduce your car's carbon footprint.

At home, individuals can make a difference by turning off lights when leaving a room, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and opting for fans instead of air conditioning. Installing low-flow showerheads, recycling, and using washable dishes and utensils are also simple yet effective ways to reduce air pollution.

By making small changes in our daily routines, we can collectively have a significant impact on improving air quality and protecting our health and the environment.

Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high

Air pollution is a serious issue, and it is important to take measures to protect yourself and your family from its dangers. One way to do this is to avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. Here are some detailed tips to help you do that:

• Check air pollution forecasts in your area: Keep yourself informed about the air quality in your community by checking daily air pollution forecasts. You can use local media, air quality apps, or websites such as AirNow.gov to access this information. This will help you plan your workouts accordingly and avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high.
• Move your workout indoors: When the air quality is unhealthy, opt for indoor exercises such as walking in a shopping mall or using a gym. This will reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and help protect your health.
• Limit children's outdoor playtime: If you have children, limit the amount of time they spend playing outdoors when the air quality is poor. This is especially important for children with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, as they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.
• Avoid high-traffic areas: Even when the air quality forecasts are favourable, avoid exercising near busy highways or areas with heavy traffic. Vehicles on congested roads can create high pollution levels in the surrounding areas, increasing your exposure to harmful pollutants.
• Choose alternative routes: If you enjoy outdoor exercises like cycling or running, consider finding alternative routes that are less congested and have lower pollution levels. Look for nature trails or paths that are away from major roads and busy streets.
• Adjust your workout type and time: The type of exercise and the time of day you work out can also make a difference. Opt for lower-intensity workouts when pollution levels are moderate, and try to exercise during the morning or evening when ozone levels are typically lower.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air pollution while still maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Remember to stay informed about the air quality in your area and adjust your plans accordingly.

Reduce energy consumption at home

Reducing energy consumption at home is one of the most effective ways to combat air pollution. Generating electricity and other sources of energy creates air pollution, so by reducing your energy use, you can help improve air quality. Here are some tips to reduce energy consumption at home:

Appliances and Electronics

• Switch off appliances and electronics when not in use. Many appliances and electronics continue to draw power even when on standby mode. Use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices at once.
• Unplug chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for phones, tablets, and other cordless devices use small amounts of energy even when they are not charging.
• Purchase energy-efficient products and use them efficiently. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new appliances. Energy Star-rated models typically use 10-40% less energy than other new models.
• Reduce "vampire loads" with advanced power strips. Vampire loads refer to electricity that is wasted when electronics are not in use but still plugged in.

Lighting

• Turn off lights when you are not using them or when you leave a room.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. LEDs use up to 85% less energy and can save more than $100 over their lifetime. They also come in various shapes, colors, and intensities and can work with dimmer switches.
• Incorporate more daylighting into your home using energy-efficient windows and skylights.

Heating and Cooling

• Purchase energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
• Properly insulate and air seal your home.
• Select a heating system that doesn't use electricity.

Water Heating

• Purchase an Energy Star heat pump water heater.
• Set your water heater temperature between 28-42 degrees Fahrenheit for hot water and 0-5 degrees for cold water.
• Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer after each use.
• Air-dry clothing when possible instead of using a dryer.

Other Tips

• Measure your electricity usage with an electricity monitor meter to identify which appliances are using the most energy.
• Close up gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping.
• Choose a renewable energy supplier if you have the option.

Avoid burning wood or trash

Burning wood or trash is a major source of particle pollution in many parts of the world. When wood, household garbage, plastic, or leaves are burned, they produce smoke and release toxic gases. The smoke contains vapours and particulate matter (solid compounds suspended in the air). The particulate matter and toxic gases released during burning can be very irritating to people's health. Here are some ways to avoid burning wood or trash:

• Do not burn residential trash, such as garbage, plastic, or old furniture, or construction material, such as treated wood products or particle board.
• Become aware of state and local burning laws. For example, in Wisconsin, burning wet cardboard, paper or other trash, plastics of any kind, oily substances, rubber products, and asphalt is prohibited.
• Ensure that wood stoves are properly installed and swept regularly. Reduce pollution further by increasing chimney height, allowing plenty of oxygen (keeping the flue open), and burning only clean, dry, untreated wood.
• Use cleaner heating devices, such as EPA-certified wood stoves. Fireplace inserts and indoor wood-burning stoves manufactured after 1992 meet EPA efficiency standards. Compared to older stoves, these emit 85% less smoke or pollution and require 30% less wood to heat.
• Use composting, mulching, recycling, or other garbage disposal options.
• Encourage your local government to regulate leaf burning, waterstoves, and other sources of air pollution.
• If you are looking to buy a wood stove or wood-fired hydronic heater, make sure it is certified to the May 2020 EPA emission standards. EPA-certified units are high-efficiency, cleaner-burning devices.
• Avoid burning solid fuels, such as in open fires and wood-burning stoves, as these have a significant impact on air pollution.

Cut down on car journeys

One of the most effective ways to combat air pollution is to cut down on car journeys.

In the UK, private car transport accounts for over 10% of total CO2 emissions, with the average family's car travel contributing a fifth of their total emissions. In the US, the number of cars and trucks increased dramatically after World War II, leading to increased air pollution, especially in cities.

To reduce the number of car journeys, consider the following:

• Opt for public transport, walking, or cycling for shorter trips. In the UK, a quarter of all journeys are less than 3km (2 miles), so alternatives to driving are often feasible and can also improve your health.
• If you need to drive, consider car-sharing or lift-sharing with friends, neighbours, or colleagues. This can reduce traffic on the roads by 20%.
• Service your car regularly. For diesel cars, ensure the particulate filter is emptied regularly.
• Switch to a cleaner car, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle, and avoid diesel cars if possible.
• Keep your tyres properly inflated.
• Turn off your car engine when stationary in traffic to avoid releasing harmful pollutants and wasting fuel.

By implementing these changes, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality, not only for yourself but also for those around you.

Avoid exposure to high-traffic areas

Exposure to high-traffic areas can be extremely harmful to health. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has developed strategies to reduce air pollution exposure near high-volume roadways. Here are some tips to avoid exposure to high-traffic areas and protect your health:

• Check air pollution forecasts: Be aware of the daily air quality in your area. Use local radio, TV, newspapers, or websites like airnow.gov to check the air pollution levels. The color-coded forecasts can alert you when the air quality is unhealthy.
• Avoid exercising outdoors during high pollution: When the air quality is poor, move your workouts indoors. Exercise indoors, walk in a shopping mall, or use a gym. Limit your child's outdoor playtime if the air quality is unhealthy. Even if the air quality is good, avoid exercising near high-traffic areas as the vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby.
• Choose alternative transportation: Opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation like buses, subways, or trains instead of driving your car. This helps reduce congestion and improves air quality.
• Plan your commute: If you must drive, plan your route to avoid high-traffic areas. Consider leaving your car at home and taking public transportation for part of your commute. This will not only reduce your exposure to air pollution but also benefit your health and mood.
• Reduce vehicle emissions: Keep your car well-maintained and serviced regularly. If you have a diesel car, ensure the particulate filter is emptied frequently. Consider switching to a cleaner car, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle, to lower your emissions. Keep your tyres properly inflated, and turn off your engine when stationary in traffic to reduce harmful emissions.
• Choose alternative routes: When travelling by car, look for alternative routes that are less congested and have lower traffic volume. This will help reduce your exposure to traffic-related air pollution.
• Support clean air initiatives: Advocate for policies that prioritise clean air, such as the development of Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones. These zones aim to reduce motorised transport and improve air quality in busy and congested areas.

Frequently asked questions