Community Action For Cleaner Air And Water

Pollution is a serious global issue that requires collective action to address. While governments and businesses play a significant role in reducing pollution, individuals can also make a difference in their communities. From properly disposing of medications and choosing natural lawn care to using less toxic cleaning products and conserving water, there are many ways to prevent pollution in your community. Additionally, small changes in daily habits, such as driving less, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for pollution-free transportation, can have a significant impact on reducing air pollution. By being mindful of our actions and making sustainable choices, we can all contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.

Avoid burning garbage and wood

Burning garbage and wood is a major source of air pollution and can have a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. The smoke and toxic gases released during burning, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic organic matter (POMs), can cause eye and nose irritation, breathing difficulties, coughing, and headaches. Here are some ways to avoid burning garbage and wood in your community:

Reduce Waste Generation

The first step is to reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place. This can be achieved by:

• Buying products with less packaging or in bulk.
• Choosing products with longer lifespans and selecting reusable instead of single-use items.
• Repairing items instead of discarding them.

Recycling and Composting

Implementing proper recycling and composting practices can significantly reduce the need for burning garbage and wood:

• Separate recyclable items such as paper, metal, plastics, and glass from your garbage and familiarise yourself with your community's recycling program.
• Compost food waste, yard waste, and grass clippings to create nutrient-rich soil for gardens and yards.

Use Alternative Disposal Methods

Instead of burning, explore other disposal methods for your waste:

• Contact your local municipality to inquire about trash collection services or dumpster rental for large items.
• Donate, sell, or upcycle items you no longer need.
• For vegetative waste, consider leaving grass clippings and leaf debris in place to add nutrients to the soil.

Choose Cleaner Energy Sources

Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and appliances can help reduce air pollution:

• Use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment instead of gas-powered options, which often lack pollution control devices.
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, and turn off electrical appliances when not in use.

By following these steps, your community can significantly reduce the negative impact of burning garbage and wood on the environment and human health, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Reduce energy use at home

Energy use at home is a major source of pollution, so it's important to make changes to reduce your energy consumption. Here are some detailed and direct tips to reduce energy use and create a more sustainable future:

Stop Vampire Power

Unplug devices and electronics when they are not in use. Many devices continue to draw power even when they are switched off or idle, a phenomenon known as "vampire power". This can account for a significant percentage of your energy bill. Use smart plugs or power strips to control and cut power to devices that are not in use.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Air conditioning and heating are some of the biggest energy consumers in a home. Adjusting your thermostat to optimal temperatures can make a big difference. In warmer months, set your AC to 78°Fahrenheit (25.5°Celsius) and in colder months, set your heat to 68°Fahrenheit (20°Celsius). When you're out of the house or asleep, turn the temperature down a few degrees. These adjustments can save you up to 10% on your energy bills.

Switch to LED Lighting

Replace old incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last much longer, reducing replacement costs. Additionally, use natural lighting whenever possible by opening curtains during the day and closing them at night to keep the heat in.

Upgrade Appliances

Invest in energy-efficient appliances with the Energy Star certification. While it may be more expensive upfront, these appliances will save you money in the long run and reduce your energy consumption. This includes your refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, and more.

Adjust Water Heater Settings

Lowering the temperature on your water heater can significantly impact your energy costs. Reduce the temperature to 120°Fahrenheit (48.9°Celsius) or, if possible, replace it with a more efficient model, such as a tankless or electric water heater.

Improve Insulation

Ensure your home is properly insulated to maintain comfortable temperatures and prevent indoor air from escaping. Seal or upgrade windows to prevent heat or cool air from escaping. Insulate heating ducts in unheated areas to prevent air leakage and heat loss.

Conserve Water

Use water-saving techniques such as taking shorter showers instead of baths, using low-flow showerheads, and fixing any leaky faucets. Additionally, only run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load. These simple changes can reduce both water consumption and the energy needed to heat that water.

Remember, even small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference in reducing energy use and creating a more sustainable future.

Dispose of medication properly

Disposing of medication properly is an important way to help reduce pharmaceutical pollution in the environment and even your drinking water.

Medicines that are flushed down the toilet or drain can enter the wastewater treatment system, which is often not designed to remove medications. This means that pharmaceuticals can pass through the treatment process and contaminate our lakes and streams, which can hurt fish and other aquatic wildlife, and end up in our drinking water. Some medications, such as hormones and antidepressants, include endocrine-disrupting compounds that interfere with the reproduction and normal growth of aquatic species. Antibiotics, when present in water, can also lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

To properly dispose of medications, do not flush them or put them down the drain. Instead, take them to a medication drop-off site, which can be found using an interactive map. These sites do not charge any disposal fees and accept all types of medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, liquid, solid, and pet medicines. If a collection site is not available, many pharmacies sell envelopes that can be filled and mailed for incineration.

When using a collection site, it is important to check for any restrictions and keep prescription medications in their original container with personal information removed. Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, and chemotherapy drugs in liquid form are not accepted at these sites. Unused needles with syringes that still contain medication may be placed in medication collection boxes if they are first placed in a puncture-proof container.

By properly disposing of medications, we can help reduce pharmaceutical pollution and protect our health and the environment.

Avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a major threat to environmental and human health. They are designed for short-term convenience before being thrown away or recycled, but many are disposed of improperly, littering public spaces or overburdening recycling systems.

Reduce waste in landfills and the environment

Single-use plastics, such as straws, plastic bags, and water bottles, are some of the biggest environmental hazards today. They are non-biodegradable and take hundreds of years to decompose, which means they remain in landfills for decades, polluting the environment and endangering wildlife. By reducing your waste, you can play a key role in preserving your community's natural beauty for future generations.

Protect wildlife

Plastic waste is a serious threat to wildlife. It can be ingested by animals, cause entanglement, disrupt habitats, increase pollution, and introduce potentially toxic substances into their environment. The consequences of plastic pollution can be devastating for various species, including marine life, birds, and land animals. Reducing your use of plastic products is an effective way to help safeguard the environment and support biodiversity efforts.

Encourage sustainable alternatives

Opting for reusable items fosters the demand for sustainable products, which are crucial for environmental health. According to a Princeton University study, some simple items that can help encourage sustainability include reusable water bottles, sandwich and food containers, grocery bags, metal or glass straws, and sustainable toothbrushes made of hardy materials or with reusable tips.

Keep waterways clean

Plastic pollution is a significant issue affecting rivers, streams, and other water sources. It can enter waterways directly when improperly discarded and indirectly through stormwater runoff from roadways. This pollution harms aquatic life and can cause microplastics to enter ecosystems and water sources. Every piece of plastic that is avoided helps preserve cleaner waterways and support sustainability.

Improve community health and aesthetics

Plastic pollution tarnishes landscapes and poses serious health risks to humans and animals. Communities free from plastic litter are healthier, more visually appealing, and attract more tourism, bolstering the local economy. By keeping your community litter-free, you can help safeguard public health, protect the environment, and contribute to the prosperity of your community.

Set a sustainable example

By refusing single-use plastics, you can make a significant contribution towards a more sustainable future. You will also help raise awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastics and set a positive example for others, encouraging them to follow suit. Leading by example helps create a culture of sustainability.

Opt for natural lawn care

Lawns can be a significant source of pollution, with lawn care practices contributing to water waste, chemical runoff, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are many ways to opt for natural lawn care and reduce pollution. Here are some detailed tips to make your lawn care routine more eco-friendly:

Overseed and Mow the Lawn Correctly

Overseeding your lawn annually encourages dense and healthy growth, making it more resistant to weeds and reducing the need for chemical herbicides. When mowing, follow the rule of thirds and never cut more than one-third of the blade's length. Keep your lawnmower blades sharp and know your grass type to mow at the recommended height. Mowing at the higher end of the recommended height encourages a deeper root system and helps shade out weeds.

Feed the Soil Correctly

Conduct a soil test to understand your soil's fertility, structure, composition, and pH. This will guide you in determining the most efficient way to care for your grass. Feed your soil with organic fertilizers, compost, or compost tea to improve its structure and add beneficial microorganisms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to toxic chemical runoff that pollutes local waterways.

Reduce Pesticide and Fungicide Use

Pesticides and fungicides can be harmful to humans, pets, and beneficial organisms that support a healthy lawn. Opt for integrated pest management (IPM), which uses habitat manipulation, biological control, and modified cultural practices to prevent pests. Encourage a deep root system by watering infrequently and for longer periods, and water in the early morning to reduce water loss due to evaporation.

Use Water-Saving Systems

Invest in a rain barrel to collect rainwater for lawn care, helping to conserve irrigation water and save on energy costs. Install a drip irrigation system in flower beds and gardens to directly deliver water to the plant's root zone, reducing water loss through evaporation and runoff.

Switch to Green Tools

Gas-powered lawn equipment produces harmful emissions. Opt for corded or battery-powered tools, or look for an eco-friendly lawn care service that uses electrical tools.

Increase Biodiversity

Use mulch in your planting beds to retain soil moisture, control erosion, block weeds, and enhance plant health. Create habitat gardens with native plants to boost biodiversity, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and restore balance to the ecosystem.

By following these natural lawn care tips, you can create a beautiful, chemical-free lawn that is safe for your family, pets, and the environment.

Frequently asked questions