Bronte Wells
Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk of our time, with exposure leading to stroke, heart and lung disease, pneumonia, and cancer. It is caused by unsustainable human activity, threatening the climate, biodiversity, human health, and the economy. To beat air pollution, individuals, communities, and governments must work together to reduce unsustainable behavior and leverage finance and investments towards air-cleaning solutions. This involves making lifestyle changes, such as using public transport, switching to plant-rich diets, and reducing energy consumption, as well as implementing policies for solid waste management, improving access to clean energy, and promoting sustainable business practices.
How to Beat Air Pollution
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Limit backyard fires in the city | Keep fires small and brief, burn only dry firewood, do not burn waste |
| Plant and care for trees | Trees filter pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into the atmosphere |
| Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment | Gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf or snow blowers lack pollution control devices |
| Use less energy | Choose efficient appliances and heating systems, turn off electrical items when not in use |
| Become a champion for clean air | Direct local businesses, city offices, and schools toward programs that can help them reduce air pollution |
| Drive less | Walk, run, bike, carpool, or use public transportation |
| Maintain your vehicle | Keep your car in good repair, keep tires properly inflated, fix exhaust and oxygen sensor problems |
| Limit idling | Do not idle your vehicle for more than 30 seconds |
| Choose efficient vehicles | Look for the most efficient, lowest-polluting vehicle, consider zero-emission electric cars |
| Reduce energy consumption at home | Choose sustainable products, use energy-efficient light bulbs, recycle, use energy-efficient appliances |
| Eat locally and sustainably | Shop at farmers' markets, buy organic and locally-sourced food, choose sustainable materials like bamboo and hemp |
| Support government and business initiatives | Encourage and support governments and businesses to take measures to improve air quality |
| Improve access to renewable energy | Implement policies for clean, non-polluting energy sources in all homes |
| Minimize pollution through lifestyle changes | Switch to a plant-rich diet, cut single-use plastic products, use public transport or active transportation |
| Reduce exposure to air pollution | Stay indoors, reduce outdoor air infiltration, use air filters, limit physical exertion outdoors |
What You'll Learn
Reduce car usage, opt for walking, biking, carpooling or public transport
Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In Washington, they are the largest source of air pollution. Vehicle exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution in Minnesota, too. Burning gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde. In addition, vehicles emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
To reduce air pollution, it is important to reduce car usage. This can be achieved by opting for walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation. Walking and biking are excellent alternatives to driving as they reduce air pollution and offer health benefits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), walking for 30 minutes or biking for 20 minutes on most days reduces the risk of mortality by at least 10%. Additionally, active commuting is associated with a 10% decrease in cardiovascular disease risk and a 30% decrease in type 2 diabetes risk. Furthermore, cancer-related mortality is 30% lower among bike commuters.
Carpooling is another effective way to reduce car usage and air pollution. By sharing rides, individuals can drive less, which has a significant environmental benefit. Carpooling reduces traffic congestion and pollution while also saving money on gas costs. With most cars having four to five seats, the US Department of Transportation estimates that 44% of personal car trips in the US are taken with only one occupied seat. This represents a missed opportunity to save money, reduce pollution, and build community through shared rides.
Public transportation offers a similar solution to reducing car usage and air pollution. When public transport is free or affordable, it becomes a more attractive option than driving, leading to a decrease in car usage. For example, when the city of Tallinn in Estonia introduced free public transport, it resulted in a 14% increase in public transport usage in the first year, benefiting lower-income households. Additionally, investing in public buses, trains, and rail networks can yield significant economic benefits while reducing emissions and improving air quality.
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Limit energy consumption at home, work and elsewhere
Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of reducing air pollution, which poses significant risks to human health and the environment. To limit energy consumption at home, individuals can make simple changes such as using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, which contribute to reduced electricity generation and, consequently, lower air pollution levels. Getting an energy audit and following the recommended actions is a great way to start. It is also beneficial to develop habits like turning off electrical appliances when not in use and opting for efficient heating systems.
Additionally, limiting the use of cars and switching to more sustainable transportation methods, such as carpooling, biking, bussing, or telecommuting, can significantly reduce air pollution. This is especially important considering that vehicle exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution. Maintaining your car and promptly addressing issues like exhaust and oxygen sensor problems can also help burn less fuel.
At work, businesses can play a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption by adopting energy-efficient practices. This includes implementing energy-saving programs, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and even transitioning to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment for outdoor maintenance. Governments can support these initiatives by introducing mandatory building standards and retrofits that minimize energy consumption within commercial spaces.
Beyond homes and workplaces, limiting energy consumption in other areas of life is also important. For example, individuals can opt for energy-efficient personal vehicles and support local businesses, city offices, and school districts in transitioning to more sustainable practices. By making small but conscious choices, we can collectively make a significant impact on reducing air pollution and improving the environment we live in.
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Avoid outdoor physical activity on high pollution days
Air pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health. While physical activity is important for health, it is advisable to avoid outdoor physical exertion on days with high pollution levels. This is especially crucial for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, as well as for older adults, children, and those with lung conditions like asthma or COPD.
On days with elevated pollution levels, it is recommended to stay indoors and minimise outdoor air infiltration. This can be achieved by keeping windows and doors closed and using air conditioning or air purifiers to maintain indoor air quality. If possible, consider using indoor exercise equipment, such as a treadmill or indoor exercise bike, to maintain your physical activity routine without exposing yourself to polluted outdoor air.
Additionally, be mindful of the air quality index (AQI) in your area. The AQI provides valuable information about the air pollution levels in your locality. Checking the AQI before planning any outdoor activities can help you make informed decisions. If the AQI indicates moderate or higher levels of air pollution, it is advisable to refrain from prolonged and intensive outdoor exercise, especially if you fall into a sensitive group.
To maintain your physical activity levels while avoiding outdoor pollution, consider indoor alternatives such as yoga, indoor swimming pools, or joining a gym. These options allow you to stay active while minimising your exposure to polluted air. It is also beneficial to utilise parks, public spaces, and trails with low emission zones when exercising in urban areas. These green spaces have been shown to contribute positively to our overall health and well-being.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about air quality, you can effectively reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and protect your health on days with high pollution levels.
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Use hand-powered or electric lawn equipment
Using hand-powered or electric lawn equipment is a great way to reduce air pollution. Gas-powered small engines like those on lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers often lack pollution control devices, and an hour of running a lawnmower can produce nearly the same amount of pollution as a 100-mile car trip!
By switching to hand-powered or electric lawn equipment, you can significantly reduce the amount of pollution you produce while still maintaining your lawn. Hand-powered equipment, such as push lawnmowers or manual leaf rakes, require physical effort but do not produce any emissions. Electric lawn equipment, on the other hand, is powered by electricity and can be just as effective as gas-powered tools.
When choosing electric lawn equipment, look for energy-efficient options that have high energy-efficiency ratings. This will help reduce emissions and save money. You can also opt for electric tools that are powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered lawnmowers or leaf blowers. This way, you can further reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
In addition to reducing air pollution, hand-powered or electric lawn equipment can also be beneficial for your health. Gas-powered tools can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger asthma attacks or worsen respiratory illnesses. By switching to hand-powered or electric alternatives, you can breathe easier and improve your overall health.
By making this simple switch, you are taking an important step towards beating air pollution and creating a healthier and more sustainable future for yourself and generations to come.
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Eat locally, shop at farmers markets and buy organic products
Eating locally, shopping at farmers' markets, and buying organic products are great ways to reduce air pollution and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Eating locally and shopping at farmers' markets can reduce the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of food. When you buy produce at a grocery store, it has often travelled long distances, sometimes even internationally, to get there. This transport emits harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. By choosing locally sourced food, you can significantly reduce the emissions associated with your food choices. Shopping at farmers' markets also encourages local farmers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Organic products are those that are produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The production and use of these chemicals can result in harmful emissions, and they can also contaminate water sources and harm local wildlife. By choosing organic, you are supporting farming practices that do not contribute to air pollution and that are healthier for the environment.
Additionally, buying local and organic products often means less packaging and waste. Local farmers are more likely to use minimal packaging, and organic products often come in recyclable or biodegradable materials. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which helps to improve air quality.
You can also take it a step further by reducing your food waste. Food waste that ends up in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By planning your meals, storing food properly, and composting, you can reduce your impact on the environment even further.
Finally, by making these conscious choices, you are also encouraging others to do the same. As demand for local and organic products increases, more farmers will adopt sustainable practices, and governments will prioritize policies that support this shift. This collective action is crucial in the fight against air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many products in the home that emit smog-forming chemicals that pollute the air when used. To reduce air pollution in your home, you can:
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Use appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings.
- Use a fan instead of air conditioning.
- Install low-flow showerheads.
- Recycle paper, plastic, metals and organic materials.
- Use washable dishes, utensils and fabric napkins rather than disposable dinnerware.
To reduce air pollution in your garden, you can:
- Limit backyard fires in the city.
- Keep fires small and brief.
- Burn only dry firewood.
- Use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment.
To reduce air pollution in your community, you can:
- Walk, bike or carpool.
- Use public transportation.
- Encourage your child's school to reduce exposure to school bus emissions.
- Support national, state and local efforts to clean up sources of pollution.
- Get involved in the fight for cleaner, healthier air.
To reduce air pollution, you can switch to a plant-rich diet and eat locally by shopping at farmers' markets.
To reduce air pollution, you can cut single-use plastic products and choose products that use recycled materials, such as bamboo and hemp.
