Strategies To Combat Air Pollution And Breathe Easier

Air pollution is a serious global health problem that can lead to adverse health effects and an increased risk of acute and chronic health issues. While waiting for governments to implement policies and controls, there are actions that individuals can take to reduce their personal health risks and alleviate air pollution. This includes driving less, using public transportation, carpooling, and adopting electric vehicles. At home, individuals can reduce energy consumption, choose sustainable products, recycle, and limit the use of products containing smog-forming chemicals.

How to Alleviate Air Pollution

Reduce car usage, opt for carpooling, public transport, walking or cycling

One of the most effective ways to alleviate air pollution is to reduce car usage. Cars are a major source of air pollution, especially in cities, and the transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon pollution. By opting for alternatives to driving alone, such as carpooling, public transport, walking, or cycling, individuals can significantly contribute to reducing air pollution.

Carpooling is a great way to reduce the number of cars on the road and, consequently, the amount of pollution emitted. It is a simple concept: multiple people share a ride in a single vehicle, reducing the number of vehicles needed for travel. This not only helps the environment but can also lead to cost savings for those involved. Carpooling can be organized informally among friends, colleagues, or neighbours, or through more formal arrangements facilitated by ride-sharing apps or carpool programs.

Public transport is another excellent way to reduce car usage and alleviate air pollution. When more people use buses, trains, subways, or trams, there are fewer cars on the road, leading to reduced emissions. To encourage public transport usage, cities can invest in improving the quality and frequency of services, making them more attractive and competitive compared to driving. Additionally, implementing measures to disincentivize driving, such as congestion charges or parking fees, can further incentivize the use of public transport.

Walking and cycling are also powerful tools in the fight against air pollution. Active transport, such as walking or cycling, not only reduces emissions but also provides health benefits to the individuals involved. Evidence suggests that walking for 30 minutes or cycling for 20 minutes on most days can reduce the risk of mortality by at least 10%. To promote walking and cycling, cities can invest in infrastructure such as dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and safe crossings. Additionally, integrating cycling and walking into urban planning, improving road safety, and providing educational programs can further encourage these sustainable and healthy modes of transportation.

By implementing these measures and reducing car usage, we can significantly contribute to alleviating air pollution. Whether through carpooling, utilizing improved public transport services, or embracing active transport like walking and cycling, individuals and communities can make a positive impact on the environment and their own well-being.

Conserve energy, use energy-efficient appliances and heating systems

Conserving energy and using energy-efficient appliances and heating systems are effective ways to alleviate air pollution. Energy efficiency reduces both indoor and outdoor concentrations of air pollutants, driving a range of economic, environmental, and health benefits.

One way to conserve energy is to reduce energy consumption in your home. This can be achieved by turning off appliances, equipment, and lights when not in use, and unplugging appliances when they are fully charged or not in use. You can also turn down your thermostat and wear extra layers of clothing to stay warm instead of turning up the heat. Similarly, during the summer, you can dress in cooler clothing to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Another way to conserve energy is to improve the energy efficiency of your appliances and heating systems. Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances, as these products use less energy and can help you save money on your energy bills. Examples of energy-efficient appliances include refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. Super-efficient electric heat pumps are another option for both heating and cooling your home or business, and they are a cleaner and more affordable alternative to oil and propane furnaces.

Additionally, you can reduce energy consumption by opting for hand-powered or electric lawn and garden equipment instead of gas-powered options, which often lack pollution control devices. When doing laundry, you can wash your clothes in cold water and line dry them instead of using a dryer. These small changes can collectively make a significant impact on reducing air pollution.

Limit backyard fires, use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment

Backyard fires are a significant contributor to air pollution, especially in cities where pollution levels are already elevated. Smoke from these fires can negatively impact the health of people with asthma and other lung conditions. To alleviate air pollution, it is important to limit backyard fires and be mindful of the local regulations and air quality conditions. If you are planning a campfire, keep the fire small and brief, use only dry firewood, and never burn any waste materials. It is also recommended to sign up for alerts about elevated air pollution levels and take necessary precautions.

Switching to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment is another effective way to reduce air pollution. Gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers often lack pollution control devices and produce harmful noise pollution. Electric alternatives, such as electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers, are becoming increasingly popular and offer several benefits. They are quieter, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective in the long run due to reduced maintenance needs and lower energy consumption. Electric lawn equipment is available in various designs, including push, self-propelled, and ride-on options, with battery-powered models offering convenience and flexibility.

When choosing electric outdoor equipment, consider factors such as the size of your lawn, proximity to power outlets, and the time required to complete yard chores. Battery-powered models offer the advantage of cordless operation but may require swapping batteries or planning yard work around charging times. It is also important to properly maintain and care for your electric equipment to extend its lifespan and optimize performance.

In addition to limiting backyard fires and switching to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, there are other simple steps you can take to alleviate air pollution. This includes driving less, carpooling, using public transportation, or opting for electric vehicles. Reducing energy consumption, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and selecting sustainable products can also help improve air quality. By making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can collectively contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Reduce exposure to indoor air pollution, use air filters

Reducing exposure to indoor air pollution is critical to improving air quality. One effective way to achieve this is by using portable air cleaners, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers. These devices are designed to filter the air in a single room or area, removing pollutants and improving indoor air quality.

There are several factors to consider when choosing an air purifier. Firstly, look for purifiers with true High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are highly effective in removing airborne particles. HEPA filters can eliminate at least 99.97% of dust, mold, pollen, bacteria, and other particles as small as 0.3 microns. This makes them ideal for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, as they can help alleviate symptoms like sneezing, sore throat, and coughing.

In addition to HEPA filters, some purifiers also incorporate activated carbon or charcoal filters. These filters are highly porous and have a large surface area, making them adept at absorbing gas pollutants, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are particularly effective in removing fumes, smoke, and chemicals from the air.

When selecting an air purifier, it is important to consider the room size and the device's airflow capacity, typically measured as the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). A purifier should have a minimum of four air changes per hour (ACH) to ensure rapid and thorough cleaning of polluted air. Additionally, look for features like adjustable fan speeds, air quality sensors, and energy efficiency.

Upgrading the air filter in your central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can also improve indoor air quality. HVAC filters are designed to filter the air throughout your home, reducing indoor air pollution. However, it is important to note that neither portable air cleaners nor HVAC filters can eliminate all pollutants from the air.

Eat locally, buy organic and use sustainable products

Eating locally, buying organic, and using sustainable products can significantly reduce air pollution. Firstly, eating locally reduces the carbon footprint of your food. While transportation accounts for some food's greenhouse gas emissions, the impact is relatively small, except for products transported by air. For instance, avocados shipped from Mexico to the UK contribute 0.21kg of CO2eq in transport emissions, only 8% of their total footprint. In contrast, locally produced animal products, like beef, have a much higher carbon footprint, emitting 60 kilograms of greenhouse gases per kilogram. Therefore, eating local is beneficial, but the type of food is more significant, with plant-based foods generally having a lower footprint than meat and dairy.

Buying organic is another way to support sustainable farming practices. The LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) scheme, for instance, encourages farms to implement integrated farm management systems that reduce environmental impact. This includes auditing production systems and examining soil management, fertility, pesticide use, and pollution control. Organic farming also restricts the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, which can reduce air pollution.

Additionally, using sustainable products in your daily life can help alleviate air pollution. This includes choosing energy-efficient appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, and opting for fans instead of air conditioning. Using reusable bags, dishes, and utensils also reduces waste and pollution. These small changes can collectively make a significant impact on improving air quality.

Frequently asked questions