Reducing Smog: Strategies For Cleaner Air And Healthier Living

Smog is a type of air pollution that is harmful to human health and ecosystems. It is caused by the presence of noxious gases and fine particles in the atmosphere, which can be released from burning fossil fuels, wildfires, and vehicle emissions. To reduce smog, individuals can take several actions, such as reducing their use of cars, especially those with internal combustion engines, and opting for walking, cycling, or public transportation instead. Additionally, consolidating errands into a single trip, carpooling, and keeping vehicles properly maintained can also help minimise smog.

Drive less, carpool, or switch to electric vehicles

Driving less, carpooling, or switching to electric vehicles are all effective ways to reduce smog.

Drive Less

Reducing the number of miles driven is the best way to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Opting for walking or biking to your destination emits zero pollutants. For longer distances, public transportation or carpooling with someone who lives nearby are good alternatives.

Carpool

Carpooling is an effective way to cut down on car miles driven. It also offers financial benefits, such as splitting gas costs and taking advantage of faster "HOV" highway lanes for cars with multiple passengers.

Switch to Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) can dramatically reduce carbon pollution from transportation and improve air quality. While producing electricity to power EVs generates emissions, these emissions levels are far lower than those of conventional vehicles. In addition, as the electric power sector becomes cleaner over the next few decades, EV emissions will decrease even further.

Turn off engines when stationary

Turning off your engine when stationary is an effective way to reduce smog and air pollution. Idling engines produce up to twice the exhaust emissions of a vehicle in motion. When a car is stationary, it uses more fuel and emits more harmful pollutants as it is unable to operate as efficiently. This increase in CO2 emissions contributes to global warming and climate change.

The Wycombe District Council in the UK has implemented an air quality action plan, which includes installing signs in high-traffic locations that read: "Air Quality Management Area. Reduce harmful emissions. TURN OFF your engine whilst stationary." This initiative serves as a reminder to motorists that they can actively reduce emissions, even when waiting in traffic. Research suggests that turning off your engine when stationary improves a car's fuel economy by over eight percent in heavy traffic.

Turning off your engine when stationary is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your health and finances. When a car is idling, it emits harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrocarbons, which are linked to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. These gases directly pollute the air in the surrounding area, particularly in built-up spaces like towns and cities. Additionally, with rising fuel prices, leaving your engine idle can result in significant financial costs over time.

While older cars without electronic fuel injection may not respond well to being turned on and off frequently, modern cars with automatic start/stop systems are designed for this purpose. These systems anticipate when the car has stopped and restart the engine when you're ready to drive again. However, it's important to note that there may be situations where turning off your engine is not feasible or safe. For example, in extreme weather conditions, you may need to keep the engine running to use the heater or air conditioning.

By turning off your engine when stationary, you can play a crucial role in reducing smog and improving air quality, protecting both the environment and your health while also saving on fuel costs.

Improve home insulation

Improving the insulation in your home is a great way to reduce energy costs and make your home more environmentally friendly. There are many ways to improve the insulation in your home, and most of them are simple and cost-effective.

Firstly, it is important to identify areas in your home that are not properly insulated. A qualified home energy assessor can perform a whole-house energy assessment to determine where your home needs better insulation and air sealing. Alternatively, you can perform your own inspection by checking the attic, walls, floors, and unfinished basement ceilings and walls. You can also use an electrical outlet to inspect the insulation in your exterior walls.

Once you have identified the areas that need improvement, you can choose the type of insulation that best suits your needs. Common types of insulation materials include cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation, natural fiber insulation, rigid foam insulation, and spray foam insulation. Each type of insulation has its own advantages, such as affordability, fire resistance, eco-friendliness, and biodegradability.

• Install thermal curtains to help regulate the temperature in rooms with windows.
• Insulate electrical outlets and switches with foam gaskets to prevent heat loss and cold air infiltration.
• Insulate your attic, as heat rises and escapes through the attic more than anywhere else in your home.
• Insulate water pipes to reduce heat loss and raise your water temperature, which can help reduce water usage.
• Seal doors and windows with weatherstripping and door sweeps to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
• Seal up recessed lighting openings, maintaining a safe distance between the lighting and insulation for fire safety.
• Repair and insulate HVAC ducts to improve efficiency and maintain temperatures.
• Ensure proper ventilation to control moisture, which can damage insulation and seals.
• Insulate your floor, especially in crawl spaces, to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
• Install duct booster fans or programmable thermostat-controlled vents to improve airflow and regulate temperatures.

Plant and care for trees

Trees are an excellent way to reduce smog and improve air quality. They act as filters, cleaning the air around them by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. They also absorb other harmful toxins, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ground-level ozone.

To plant and care for trees effectively, follow these steps:

Choosing the Right Trees

Select tree species that are well-suited for reducing air pollution. Some trees are more effective at filtering pollutants than others. Conifers, such as pines and cypresses, are excellent natural purifiers due to their dense, needle-like leaves that trap pollutants. Silver birch, yew, and elder trees are also highly effective, with their leaf hairs contributing to high reduction rates. London plane trees, on the other hand, can emit high levels of volatile organic compounds, which can negatively impact urban air pollution.

Consider the local context and consult with experts to determine the best tree species for your specific location. Native trees are often a good choice, as they tend to emit fewer VOCs than non-native species. Additionally, ensure biodiversity by planting no more than 5-10% of the same tree species or family in a given area.

Planting Location and Strategy

When deciding where to plant trees, consider their proximity to sources of pollution and human populations. Trees should be planted relatively close to pollution sources, as wind direction and landscape structure can affect how pollution moves. In narrow streets surrounded by tall buildings, avoid planting tall trees with large canopies, as they can trap pollution. Instead, opt for hedges or green walls. On broad roads with low-rise buildings, both trees and hedges are suitable and can help improve air quality.

Planting and Caring for Trees

When planting trees, consider their life expectancy and maintenance requirements. Choose trees that require minimal attention and have a long lifespan. Properly maintain the trees by providing adequate water, nutrients, and care. Ensure the soil has sufficient nutrients and the right pH level for the tree species. Protect the trees from pests and diseases, and prune them regularly to maintain their health and promote growth.

By following these steps and caring for your trees, you can effectively utilise them as a natural way to reduce smog and improve the air quality in your surroundings.

Avoid burning household waste

Burning household waste is a common method of garbage disposal, especially in rural areas. However, it is a major source of air pollution and can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health.

Backyard burning releases various toxic compounds, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particle pollution. These pollutants contribute to the formation of smog, which is dangerous to breathe and can cause eye and lung irritation, headaches, dizziness, coughing, wheezing, asthma, and even death.

The smoke from burning household waste contains harmful chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hexachlorobenzene, and volatile organic compounds. Inhalation or ingestion of even small amounts of these pollutants can lead to serious health issues, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

Additionally, the ash produced by burning household waste can contain toxic metals such as mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic. These metals can contaminate the soil and be absorbed by plants, making them dangerous to consume.

To reduce smog and improve air quality, it is crucial to avoid burning household waste. Instead, individuals should focus on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and proper disposal methods. Composting plant-based kitchen and yard waste is also a recommended practice.

By being mindful of waste disposal methods and opting for alternatives to burning, individuals can play a significant role in reducing smog and improving the overall air quality in their communities.

Frequently asked questions