Preventing Pollution: Local Action, Global Impact

Pollution prevention is about working at the source of pollutants to prevent them from being generated or to reduce the amount generated. It is about using materials and energy more efficiently, and conserving natural resources, including water. Pollution prevention can be achieved through simple actions, such as keeping oils and chemicals out of local streams, reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling products and materials.

Reduce consumption, reuse items and recycle products

Reducing consumption, reusing items and recycling products are three key ways to prevent pollution in your area.

Reducing consumption means buying less and being more mindful of what you buy. You can do this by shopping less frequently, buying fewer items, and choosing products that are designed with the environment in mind. You can also reduce consumption by choosing green power options for your electricity supply, and by choosing to walk, cycle, or take public transport instead of driving.

Reusing items means finding new uses for old items, or repairing items instead of throwing them away. You can also reuse items by buying second-hand goods, or by donating your unwanted items to charity shops or other organisations.

Recycling products means separating your waste into different bins, so that it can be recycled into new products. You can also recycle products by taking them to a local recycling centre, or by using a home composting system.

In addition to these three Rs, you can also prevent pollution by keeping oils and chemicals out of local streams. You can do this by using and supporting local toxic drop-off sites, and by maintaining your vehicle to reduce leaks.

Keep oils and chemicals out of local streams

Preventing pollution in your area is a community effort that involves state and local governments, volunteer groups, water quality professionals, and ordinary people. One way to prevent pollution is to keep oils and chemicals out of local streams. This can be done by:

• Utilising and supporting local toxic drop-off sites
• Maintaining vehicles to reduce leaks
• Never pouring any materials down a storm drain
• Keeping an eye out for products that are designed with the environment in mind
• Choosing how your electricity is generated
• Reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling products and materials
• Driving your car less
• Keeping your car in good repair
• Fixing exhaust and oxygen sensor problems
• Checking your tyre pressure monthly
• Turning off your engine

Choose green power options

One of the most effective ways to prevent pollution in your area is to choose green power options. Green power technologies capture renewable energy to create electricity, reducing the amount of pollution generated. You can use the EPA's Power Profiler to choose how your electricity is generated.

When it comes to shopping, think green before you buy. Carefully choose what you buy and how much of it you purchase. Reduce consumption, reuse items, and recycle products and materials to protect the environment. EPA's Greener Products Website can help you navigate the world of greener products, and their Safer Choice label recognises products that are safer for people and the planet.

You can also prevent pollution by keeping oils and chemicals out of local streams. Utilise and support local toxic drop-off sites, maintain your vehicles to reduce leaks, and never pour any materials down a storm drain.

Finally, drive your car less. Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution, so consider carpooling, biking, bussing, or telecommuting. Keep your car in good repair, fix exhaust and oxygen sensor problems, and check your tyre pressure monthly to reduce fuel consumption.

Keep your car in good repair

Keeping your car in good repair is an important way to prevent pollution in your area. Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution, so it is important to keep your car well-maintained to reduce leaks and emissions.

One way to do this is to fix any exhaust and oxygen sensor problems as soon as possible. These issues can cause your car to burn more fuel, which increases emissions and contributes to air pollution. Regularly checking your tire pressure is also important, as under-inflated tires can lower your gas mileage and lead to increased fuel consumption.

In addition to these specific repairs, it is important to keep up with general maintenance and servicing. This can help to identify and fix any potential issues before they become bigger problems. It is also a good idea to turn off your engine when idling, as idling engines create hotspots of pollution.

By keeping your car in good repair, you can help to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of the air in your area. This not only benefits the environment but also your own health and the health of those around you.

Use EPA's Power Profiler to choose how your electricity is generated

Preventing pollution in your area can be done in a number of ways. Firstly, you can use the EPA's Power Profiler to choose how your electricity is generated. This tool allows you to find green power options in your area and choose from green power technologies that capture renewable energy to create electricity.

You can also prevent pollution by reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling products and materials. This can be done by carefully choosing what you buy and how much of it you purchase. The EPA offers information on how to prevent waste, reduce consumption, and reuse dozens of items.

Another way to prevent pollution is by keeping oils and chemicals out of local streams. This can be done by utilizing and supporting local toxic drop-off sites, maintaining vehicles to reduce leaks, and never pouring any materials down a storm drain.

Additionally, you can prevent pollution by driving your car less. Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution, so consider carpooling, biking, taking the bus, or telecommuting. Keep your car in good repair, fix exhaust and oxygen sensor problems, and check your tire pressure monthly to reduce fuel consumption.

Finally, you can prevent pollution by following best management practices and involving all relevant people in their implementation. This includes working with state and local governments, volunteer groups, and water quality professionals to clean up lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands.

Frequently asked questions