Local Air, Local Action: Reducing Pollution Together

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects both the environment and human health. While large-scale industrial sources are significant contributors, individual actions can collectively make a substantial difference in reducing air pollution. This is particularly true when it comes to local environments, where small, everyday choices can have a meaningful impact on the air we breathe. From adjusting our transportation methods and energy usage to making conscious decisions about the products we use, there are numerous ways to minimise our contribution to air pollution and improve the quality of the air in our local communities.

Walk, cycle, carpool or use public transport

Walking, cycling, carpooling, and using public transport are all great ways to reduce air pollution in your local environment.

Walking

Walking is a fantastic way to reduce air pollution as it doesn't produce any emissions. It also has the added benefit of improving your health and fitness levels. If you have children, walking them to school is a great way to start the day and encourage healthy habits from a young age.

Cycling

Like walking, cycling is a sustainable and emission-free mode of transport. It can also make individuals healthier and communities more sustainable by reducing air pollution from cars and traffic. If you're able to, consider cycling to work or using a bike-share program if your city or town has one.

Carpooling

Carpooling is an easy way to significantly reduce the impact of your commute. Even driving with just one other person can make a difference. If you're often travelling to a similar location as someone else, consider car-sharing. This will not only help the environment by having one less car on the road, but it can also save you money on fuel.

Public Transport

Public transport produces lower emissions per passenger mile than private vehicles and is a great way to reduce air pollution. It's also often cheaper and more convenient than driving and parking your car. In the US, it's estimated that public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

By choosing to walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transport, you can help reduce air pollution in your local environment and improve the air quality for yourself and your community.

Reduce energy consumption

Energy efficiency is a powerful tool to reduce air pollution. It involves using technology to reduce energy waste, so you can still perform daily tasks but with less energy usage. Here are some ways to reduce energy consumption and, in turn, air pollution:

Turn Down the Thermostat

Turn down the temperature of your home. Ideally, keep it heated to 68°F (20°C) during the day and 60°F (15.5°C) at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters to keep warm instead of turning up the heat. In the summer, dress in cooler clothing to save on air conditioning costs and energy.

Lower Water Temperature

Turn down your water heater to 120°F (48.8°C). This will cut your water heating costs by 6-10%.

Purchase Energy-Efficient Products

Look for the Energy Star label on products and equipment. Energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, can save families hundreds of dollars a year on utility bills. They are becoming more affordable, and you can find rebates available in your area on the Energy Star website.

Insulate Your House

Ensure your house is well insulated, and if using heating or cooling, never leave windows or doors open. Raise shades during winter days to let in sunlight, and lower them in the summer to block out heat. Seal all leaks, and use weatherstrip tape to block heat transfer around windows and doors. Install storm windows for added insulation.

Insulate Pipes and Fixtures

Insulate your hot water heater, heating, and cooling pipes. An insulation blanket for a water heater will reduce heat loss and pay for itself in a year or less. Seal holes around water pipes, and insulate larger holes around plumbing fixtures.

Turn Off Unused Appliances

Turn off appliances and lights when not in use, especially at night or on the weekends. Unplug appliances when they are not being used, as they can still consume electricity even when idle.

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-conserving compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) or LED lights. These use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer.

Clean or Replace Filters Regularly

Regularly check and clean or replace filters in your furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump. This will improve indoor air quality and help your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment last longer.

Increase Natural Light

Paint your walls a light color to reflect more light. Paint window edges white to reflect more light inside. During the day, open blinds to bring in natural light instead of turning on electric lights.

Reduce Paper Usage

Double-side documents when printing, reuse single-sided paper, and opt for electronic documents when possible. Using less paper saves energy and natural resources.

Choose Cleaner Commutes

Opt for carpooling, public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. If you drive, consider an electric vehicle. These choices not only reduce air pollution but also save energy costs and extend the life of your vehicle.

Avoid burning wood, leaves or rubbish

Burning wood, leaves, or other rubbish is a major source of air pollution. When these materials are burned, they produce smoke and release toxic gases, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and polycyclic organic matter. These gases can cause eye and nose irritation, coughing and headaches, and worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. The particulate matter released during burning can be breathed deep into the lungs and cause cell damage, making breathing difficult over time.

Burning plastic and treated wood is especially harmful as it releases heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as dioxin, which is a persistent, bioaccumulative toxin. These toxins remain in the environment for extended periods and increase in concentration as they move up the food chain. Dioxins are consumed by cattle and other animals that are then eaten by humans. They can cause immune system suppression, disrupt hormonal systems, and lead to cancer.

To reduce air pollution in your local environment, avoid burning any kind of waste, including wood, leaves, and rubbish. Instead, opt for alternative methods of disposal, such as composting or recycling. Composting leaves and yard waste can turn them into mulch, which is beneficial for gardening. Recycling allows for the reuse of materials and reduces the need for burning or landfilling.

Additionally, some local governments have regulations prohibiting residential trash burning due to the resulting air pollution, smoke, and odour complaints. It is important to be aware of and comply with any state and local burning laws or regulations in your area. By avoiding the burning of wood, leaves, or rubbish, you can help improve air quality and protect the health of yourself, your community, and the environment.

Buy energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient appliances can play a key role in lowering your carbon footprint and reducing air pollution. The average household has a larger carbon footprint than the average car, and much of the energy used in homes comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels. By using energy-efficient appliances, you can significantly reduce air pollution and save money on utility bills.

When buying energy-efficient appliances, it is important to consider the following:

Choose the Right Size

Appliances that are too large for your needs will use more energy than necessary. For example, a large refrigerator meant for a big family will consume more energy if used by a single person or a couple.

Know the Two Price Tags

Don't just consider the upfront cost of the appliance. Think about the long-term operating costs as well. Energy-efficient appliances might have a higher initial price tag, but they will save you money in the long run by reducing your utility bills.

Look for Energy-Saving Settings

Many modern appliances offer 'eco' settings that reduce the energy and water required to run them, without compromising on performance. These settings can make a big difference in energy consumption and are often found on washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

Design Matters

Sometimes, the design of an appliance can influence its energy consumption. For example, top-freezer refrigerators are more efficient than side-by-side or bottom freezer refrigerators. When replacing appliances, consider the design that will be most energy-efficient for your needs.

Check the EnergyGuide Label

Most appliances have an EnergyGuide label that provides efficiency statistics. This label can offer useful insight into how much money and energy the appliance will save. Look for the Energy Star label, which is the gold standard for identifying more energy-efficient appliances.

By following these tips and investing in energy-efficient appliances, you can make a significant impact on reducing air pollution in your local environment. Not only will you be helping the planet, but you'll also be saving money and extending the useful life of your appliances.

Eat less meat and dairy

Eating less meat and dairy is a surprisingly effective way to reduce air pollution in your local environment. Animal agriculture is the single largest producer of air pollutants, at over 50%, and is a significant driver of habitat loss, soil loss, water pollution, and nutrient pollution.

The livestock sector, including cattle, pigs, and chickens, generates as much greenhouse gas as all cars, trucks, and automobiles combined. This is due to the gases emitted by the animals themselves, as well as the manure they produce, and the manufacturing and use of fertilizers and pesticides. Cattle ranching has also led to the clearing of millions of square kilometres of forests for grazing pastures, destroying natural "carbon sinks".

By reducing your meat and dairy consumption, you can help lower these emissions and mitigate their impact on the environment. This is because plant-based food systems emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases than animal-based systems. For example, producing 100 grams of protein from peas emits just 0.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide, whereas producing the same amount of protein from beef emits nearly 90 times more, at 35 kg.

In addition to reducing air pollution, eating less meat and dairy has other environmental benefits. It helps to increase biodiversity, as livestock production currently accounts for about 30% of global biodiversity loss. It also saves water, as animal product production is responsible for about 29% of the total water footprint of the world's agricultural sector.

So, how can you eat less meat and dairy? Here are some tips:

• Start by reducing your consumption gradually. You don't have to go completely meatless or vegan overnight.
• Find plant-based alternatives that work for you. For example, you could try plant-based milk, vegan yogurts, or vegetarian versions of your favourite meats.
• Experiment with new products and ingredients, such as seitan, tempeh, or nutritional yeast.
• Explore naturally vegan foods that you may already enjoy, like hummus, veggie stews, and Indian dishes.
• Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and buy sustainable or organic produce whenever possible.

Frequently asked questions