Breathe Easy: Strategies To Escape Polluted Air

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly seven million deaths each year are associated with indoor and outdoor air pollution. The elderly, young children, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. To avoid polluted air and protect your health, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, limit your exposure to outdoor pollution by reducing the use of cars and opting for eco-friendly modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, or using public transport. When indoors, improve the air quality by using air purifiers and choosing energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, support initiatives and policies that promote cleaner energy sources and sustainable urban planning to reduce air pollution on a larger scale. By making conscious choices and advocating for systemic changes, we can all play a part in reducing air pollution and safeguarding our health.

How to Avoid Polluted Air

Avoid vehicles, use public transport, or carpool

Private cars and small passenger vehicles are one of the largest sources of transport-related air pollution. Therefore, opting for public transport or carpooling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and limit your exposure to polluted air.

Public transportation has a proven record of reducing congestion and saving energy. Research shows that in 2011, public transport use in the US saved 865 million hours in travel time. Without it, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion. Public transportation also saves the equivalent of 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. That's the same as the emissions from the electricity generated for all the households in Washington DC, New York City, Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles combined.

Carpooling is another effective way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease pollution levels. If you can, try to share rides with friends or use ride-sharing services. This not only reduces your personal carbon footprint but also encourages others to do the same.

If you must drive, there are still ways to reduce emissions from your vehicle. Try to drive efficiently, going easy on the gas pedal and brakes, and maintain your car with regular tune-ups and the recommended motor oil. Modern vehicles do not require "warming up" in the winter, so avoid unnecessary idling, which pollutes the air and wastes fuel. When purchasing a new car, look for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions.

Choose efficient appliances and heating systems

Choosing efficient appliances and heating systems is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the air quality in your home. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions when purchasing new appliances and systems:

Understand Appliance Efficiency Ratings

Look for the Energy Star label when buying appliances. This label is present on appliances, windows, water heaters, and other electronics, and it helps consumers identify the most energy-efficient products. EnergyGuide labels, which are yellow and black, provide information on an appliance's average annual energy consumption and operating cost, allowing for easy comparison. In addition, pay attention to the CEE (Consortium of U.S. and Canadian utilities) rating system, which sets standards for energy and water efficiency. The CEE rating system covers a wide range of household systems and appliances, and its tiers indicate increasing levels of efficiency.

Choose Smart Appliances

Smart appliances, such as those connected to smart electric meters or home energy management systems, can be more energy efficient. They can adjust their energy usage by running less frequently or shifting energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours, without compromising performance. For example, a smart refrigerator can adjust its temperature settings based on your habits, and a smart dishwasher can be scheduled to run during periods of lower electricity demand.

Consider Eco Settings and Sizing

When purchasing new appliances, look for those with eco settings, which are designed to be more energy efficient. Additionally, ensure you choose the right-sized appliances for your needs. For instance, a large washing machine or dishwasher that is frequently run half-empty will be less efficient than a smaller appliance that you can always run at full capacity.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency in Heating Systems

When it comes to heating systems, prioritize energy efficiency. Well-insulated ovens, for instance, can help avoid excess heat loss. Consider using the eco mode, which steadily heats food without the initial surge of energy required by rapid heat-up options. Ventless heat pump dryers are another energy-efficient choice, as they use half the energy of standard dryers.

Research Manufacturer Specifications

Before making a purchase, be sure to check the manufacturer's product specifications. Look for information on energy efficiency, such as the ENERGY STAR and CEE ratings, as well as factors specific to each appliance category. For example, when considering clothes washers, the MEF (Modified Energy Factor) and WF (Water Factor) are important indicators of efficiency. A higher MEF means a more efficient removal of moisture, while a lower WF indicates a more water-efficient machine.

Avoid backyard fires in the city

Air pollution is a serious issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths worldwide each year. Backyard fires are a significant contributor to air pollution, especially in cities where pollution levels are already elevated. Therefore, it is important to avoid backyard fires in urban areas to help reduce air pollution and protect public health.

One way to avoid backyard fires in the city is to check local regulations and ordinances regarding open burning. Each city, county, and township may have its own rules, and there may be specific restrictions during certain times of the year or weather conditions. For example, burning may be prohibited during high wind conditions or dry weather to prevent wildfires. It is important to follow these regulations to avoid fines and legal consequences.

Another way to avoid backyard fires is to consider alternative options for recreation and cooking. Instead of a traditional wood-burning fire pit, you can opt for a propane or natural gas fire pit, which produces less smoke and pollutants. Electric or hand-powered equipment can be used instead of gas-powered tools like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, which contribute significantly to air pollution.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the materials being burned. Burning certain materials, such as paper, magazines, and particleboard, can release excessive smoke and toxic chemicals. Even burning the wrong type of foliage, such as poison ivy or oak, can lead to serious lung irritation. Always use dry, seasoned firewood for cleaner burning and avoid burning leaves or yard waste, especially if it is prohibited in your area.

Finally, individuals can take action by supporting initiatives that promote clean air. This includes joining campaigns, such as the Healthy Air Campaign, to advocate for policies that prioritize clean air. Individuals can also reduce their own emissions by driving less, choosing fuel-efficient or electric cars, and using energy-efficient appliances. These collective efforts can help improve air quality and reduce the negative impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment.

Buy local produce to cut down on transportation

The concept of "food miles" is crucial to understanding the environmental impact of our dietary choices. The greater the distance food travels, the higher the carbon dioxide emissions. By buying local produce, you can significantly reduce these miles and, consequently, the transport-related emissions.

When you buy local produce, you're not just reducing the distance your food travels; you're also lowering the need for long-haul transportation. This means less reliance on energy-intensive refrigerated transport, which is often required for long-distance food transport. Additionally, local and seasonal foods tend to be fresher and can be harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring you get the best quality.

It's worth noting that the environmental benefits of buying local extend beyond just reduced transportation emissions. Local and seasonal produce supports sustainable agriculture, which promotes biodiversity by encouraging the planting of a diverse range of crops. This diversity helps create more resilient farms that are better equipped to deal with local pests and diseases, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals.

However, it's important to recognize that buying local isn't a cure-all solution for the environmental challenges associated with agriculture. The true impact of local produce depends on various factors, such as the type of food, its growing methods, and the region in which it's consumed. For example, large farms that efficiently grow crops suited to their region may use less energy per product and yield more food on less land. Nonetheless, adopting a lifestyle that includes buying local and seasonal produce is a significant step toward a more sustainable future for our global food system.

Use environmentally-safe paints and cleaning products

To avoid polluted air, it is important to use environmentally-safe paints and cleaning products. Traditional paints contain toxic ingredients, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation, and even more severe conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, have low-to-no VOC content and minimize the presence of other toxins, improving indoor and outdoor air quality. Some trusted brands offering eco-friendly paints include Benjamin Moore's Eco Spec line, which is 100% acrylic, VOC-free, and Green Seal certified, and ECOS Paint, which is also VOC-free, odorless, and offers a wide range of colors for interior and exterior walls. Another option is to use milk paint, which is made with 100% natural ingredients, is biodegradable, and has low VOC content, ensuring long-term performance without negative health and environmental consequences.

In addition to paints, it is also important to consider cleaning products. Traditional cleaning products often contain chemicals that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Opting for natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic cleaning products can help reduce indoor air pollution and minimize the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

By making conscious choices when purchasing paints and cleaning products, individuals can play a significant role in improving air quality and creating healthier living spaces for themselves and their communities.

Furthermore, individuals can also reduce air pollution by limiting the use of vehicles, opting for electric or hand-powered lawn equipment, and choosing energy-efficient appliances. These small changes can collectively make a significant impact on improving air quality and reducing the harmful effects of pollution.

Frequently asked questions