People's Power: Eradicating Pollution For A Greener Future

People can take various actions to eliminate pollution and create a cleaner, more sustainable future. Pollution prevention, or P2, refers to any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source before it is generated. This can be applied to everyday choices in transportation, energy use, consumer habits, and industrial processes. For example, individuals can opt to walk or ride a bike instead of driving, use energy-efficient appliances, and choose environmentally friendly cleaning products. Industries can also play a part by adopting cleaner production techniques, such as modifying processes to produce less waste and reusing materials. These actions not only protect the environment but also strengthen economic growth and reduce the financial and environmental costs associated with pollution.

Reduce car usage, opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or electric vehicles

Motor vehicle emissions are the most significant source of common air pollutants. Thus, reducing car usage is one of the most effective ways to eliminate pollution. Here are some ways to reduce car usage and opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives:

Walking

Walking is a simple and accessible way to reduce car usage and eliminate pollution. Walking for 30 minutes on most days can reduce an individual's mortality risk by at least 10%. It is a zero-emission mode of transportation that can help improve air quality and mitigate climate change. Additionally, walking can help reduce physical inactivity, which causes approximately one million deaths per year in the European Region.

Biking

Like walking, biking is an active mode of transportation that can help reduce air pollution and improve health outcomes. Cycling for 20 minutes on most days can reduce an individual's mortality risk by at least 10%. It is also associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 30% decrease in type 2 diabetes risk. Furthermore, biking has the added benefit of being a faster mode of transportation for shorter distances, making it a convenient alternative to driving.

Carpooling

Carpooling is another effective way to reduce car usage and eliminate pollution. By sharing rides, individuals can save money on fuel costs, reduce traffic congestion, and build community connections. Additionally, carpooling can make commuting more enjoyable and socially fulfilling. With the rise of ridesharing websites and applications, it is now easier than ever to find carpool partners and coordinate rides.

Electric Vehicles

Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) is another way to reduce car-related pollution. EVs typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging. They produce no tailpipe emissions and are more energy-efficient than conventional gasoline vehicles. While the generation of electricity used to charge EVs may create carbon pollution, the overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs are typically lower than those of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Switch to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs

Switching to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs is a great way to reduce pollution and protect the environment. Here are some ways to do this:

Energy-Efficient Appliances

When buying new appliances, look for the energy rating label and choose those with more stars, as these produce less emissions. For example, an energy-efficient electric heat pump water heater may cost more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run. According to the US Energy Star program, such a water heater can help a family of four save over $550 a year in energy costs compared to a standard electric water heater.

Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are a popular choice for energy-efficient lighting. While they emit a bluer light that can disrupt our sleep and circadian rhythm, they are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, producing the same amount of light with fewer watts.

Reducing Light Pollution

To reduce light pollution, which can negatively impact human health, the environment, and wildlife, consider swapping bright white LED lights for those with warmer color temperatures. Additionally, use lighting fixtures that focus the beams downward, reducing the amount of light pollution emitted into the sky.

Other Tips

• Turn off electrical appliances and lights when not in use.
• Use smart thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures when you are asleep or away.
• Use computer power management settings to put your device in a low-power "sleep" mode when not in use.

Use public transport, carpool, or telecommute

Using public transport, carpooling, or telecommuting are all effective ways to reduce pollution.

Public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution caused by the transport sector, which accounts for almost one-third of smog-forming emissions. By switching from a 20-mile solo round trip commute by car to public transportation, an individual can reduce their annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 4,800 pounds per year. This is equal to a 10% reduction in all greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household. Public transport also helps to reduce congestion, saving people time and money. In 2011, public transportation in the US saved 865 million hours of travel time and avoided a rise in congestion costs of $21 billion.

Carpooling is another great way to reduce pollution. By sharing rides, fewer cars are on the road, leading to reduced emissions and less traffic congestion. Carpooling also saves money on fuel costs and parking fees.

Telecommuting, or working from home, is a further option to reduce pollution. By eliminating the commute altogether, individuals can save on fuel, reduce emissions, and gain back time otherwise spent travelling. Telecommuting can also lead to increased productivity and improved work-life balance for employees.

In addition to these measures, people can also choose to walk or ride a bike to work or the shops instead of driving. This not only reduces emissions but also provides health benefits through exercise.

Avoid burning garbage, opt for trash hauling services

Burning garbage is a common practice, especially in rural areas, but it is a major source of pollution and a health hazard. The open burning of household trash releases smoke and air pollution directly into the atmosphere without treatment or filtration. This is particularly harmful because the pollutants are released at ground level, where they are easily inhaled or find their way into the food chain.

Burning waste produces a range of toxic chemicals, including dioxins, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), polycyclic organic matter (POMs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). These toxins can wreak havoc on the body, causing respiratory issues, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system suppression, hormonal disruption, and even cancer. The particulate matter released during trash burning can also cause cardiac and respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.

Backyard burning is also the number one cause of wildfires, and there is a significant risk of trash fires getting out of control, leading to injuries and fatalities. It is generally illegal to burn garbage in many places, including Minnesota and Oklahoma.

Instead of burning garbage, it is much safer and more environmentally friendly to opt for trash hauling services. Many communities provide these services, and they are often reasonably priced or even free. If you need to dispose of large items or a large volume of waste, you can contact a licensed solid waste hauler or a private trash hauler. These services offer competitive rates and are a much safer alternative to burning your trash.

Additionally, you can reduce the amount of waste generated by buying products with less packaging, choosing reusable items, and repairing items instead of replacing them. Composting and recycling are also great ways to dispose of waste without contributing to air pollution. By opting for trash hauling services and adopting waste reduction strategies, individuals can play a crucial role in eliminating pollution and protecting their health and the environment.

Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products

People can play a part in reducing pollution by making conscious choices in their daily lives. One way to do this is by using environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Traditional cleaning products can contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory issues. In addition, these chemicals can be harmful to the environment, particularly aquatic life, when rinsed down the drain. Phosphorus in detergents, for example, can increase nutrient loads in rivers and cause excessive algae growth.

There are many eco-friendly alternatives available that are free from these harmful chemicals and are instead made from natural, plant-based, and biodegradable ingredients. These products are safer for both your health and the environment.

When choosing cleaning products, look for those with ecolabels, such as the US EPA's Safer Choice or Design for the Environment (DfE) labels, which certify that a product contains safer ingredients. You can also opt for products that come in recyclable or recycled packaging to further reduce your impact on the environment.

Some examples of environmentally friendly cleaning products include:

• Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Liquid Soap, which can be used for cleaning floors, windows, and household surfaces, as well as for personal hygiene.
• Branch Basics' Oxygen Boost powder, which can be used as a laundry stain remover and for cleaning grout and tiles.
• Cleancult's All-Purpose Cleaner, which utilises the antibacterial and antiviral properties of coconuts and is shipped carbon-neutral.
• Attitude's aromatic Dishwashing Liquid, which is EWG Verified and free from parabens, phthalates, and phosphates.
• Common Good's lavender all-Purpose Cleaner and bergamot hand soap, which come in recyclable glass and low-plastic packaging and can be refilled at refill stations worldwide.

By making the switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products, you can help reduce pollution and create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions