Strategies To Reduce Air Pollution And Breathe Easier

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of people and the environment. In 2019, an estimated 99% of the global population lived in areas that did not meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines, leading to approximately 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide. To combat this, individuals can take various actions to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. This includes reducing vehicle emissions, using energy-efficient appliances, limiting the use of gas-powered equipment, and adopting cleaner modes of transportation. Additionally, supporting policies and investments that promote cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, improved waste management, and renewable power sources can significantly contribute to reducing outdoor air pollution.

How to bring down air pollution

Reduce car usage, drive efficiently, and maintain your vehicle

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. To reduce air pollution, it is important to reduce car usage, drive efficiently, and maintain your vehicle.

Reducing car usage is one of the most effective ways to lower air pollution. This can be achieved by opting for alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or biking, carpooling, or taking public transportation like the bus. Telecommuting, or working remotely, is another way to reduce car usage and, consequently, air pollution.

When it comes to driving efficiently, observing speed limits and accelerating gradually are key. Driving at higher speeds burns more fuel and emits more pollutants. Similarly, rapid acceleration wastes fuel and increases emissions. By driving at a steady pace and avoiding sudden stops and starts, you can reduce fuel consumption and lower pollution levels.

Maintaining your vehicle in good condition is also essential for reducing air pollution. Keeping your car well-maintained ensures it runs efficiently and produces fewer emissions. Regularly check for any issues and fix problems, especially with the exhaust and oxygen sensor, as soon as possible. Modern vehicles do not require prolonged idling during winter warm-ups, so it is best to avoid unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel and contributes to air pollution.

When purchasing a new vehicle, consider choosing the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly model that suits your needs. Compare different vehicles using resources like the EPA's Fuel Economy and Environment Label to find options with advanced emissions reduction technologies. Electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient gas vehicles are becoming more affordable and widely available, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

In addition to these vehicle-specific actions, you can also reduce air pollution by using electric or hand-powered lawn and garden equipment instead of gas-powered tools, which often lack effective pollution control devices.

Conserve electricity and switch to energy-efficient appliances

Conserving electricity and switching to energy-efficient appliances are effective ways to reduce air pollution. Power plants, which supply electricity, emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, which contribute to unhealthy air. By conserving electricity, we can reduce the demand for electricity generation and lower the amount of pollution emitted by these power plants.

One way to conserve electricity is to be mindful of our usage. This includes turning off electrical appliances when not in use, reducing the use of air conditioning, and limiting the use of gasoline-powered equipment for lawn and gardening chores. Additionally, we can switch to energy-efficient appliances and equipment, such as those with the Energy Star label, which uses less energy to perform the same tasks. For example, an Energy Star-certified heat pump water heater can use 70% less energy than a standard electric water heater, leading to significant energy and cost savings.

Energy Star-labeled appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, are becoming more affordable and widely available. These appliances use significantly less energy and water than standard models, reducing utility costs and pollution. For instance, an Energy Star washing machine uses a quarter less energy and a third less water than a standard machine. Similarly, a newer Energy Star-labeled fridge uses 35% less electricity than an older model.

Investing in energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps, can also significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. Heat pumps, for example, can both heat and cool a space by moving heat from the surrounding air, rather than generating it. This eliminates the need for two separate systems, reducing energy usage and costs. Additionally, energy-efficient windows and proper insulation can further reduce the energy required to heat or cool a space, leading to even greater savings.

By conserving electricity and switching to energy-efficient appliances, we can reduce the demand for electricity generation, lower our utility bills, and decrease air pollution. These small changes can have a significant impact on improving air quality and protecting our health and the environment.

Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment

California has been at the forefront of the battle against air pollution, with its Green Lawn Care Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2024. This legislation bans the sale of new gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws. The law is a response to the pressing need to reduce air pollution in California, which has some of the worst air quality in the nation.

Small off-road engines (SOREs), such as those found in lawn and garden equipment, can emit high levels of particulate matter (PM), reactive organic gases (ROG), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions contribute to smog and can have serious health impacts on equipment operators, surrounding neighbourhoods, and the environment. In fact, a lawnmower can generate similar emissions in a single hour of use as a car travelling 300 miles. Leaf blowers are even worse, matching the emissions of a 1,100-mile car drive.

By avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution. Instead, people can opt for electric or hand-powered alternatives, which produce zero emissions. While some may be concerned about the performance and durability of these options, especially for large lawns or tough landscaping jobs, electric and hand-powered equipment can be just as effective. Additionally, there are several incentive programs available to help homeowners make the switch to zero-emission equipment, with rebates and tax credits offered at the state and county levels.

The transition to electric or hand-powered lawn and garden equipment is a significant step towards improving air quality and protecting the health of citizens. It is important to note that while California's Green Lawn Care Law bans the sale of new gas-powered equipment, individuals can continue to use their existing gas-powered tools until they no longer work. This approach allows for a gradual transition, ensuring that everyone can eventually embrace more sustainable options.

Support clean air initiatives and local businesses

Supporting clean air initiatives and local businesses is crucial in the fight against air pollution. Clean air initiatives refer to organized efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution. These initiatives are often led by non-profit organizations, governments, or community groups and focus on advocating for policy changes, raising awareness, and implementing practical solutions to improve air quality.

One example of a clean air initiative is the American Lung Association's "Stand Up For Clean Air" campaign, which aims to improve air quality and address the health impacts of climate change. The campaign encourages individuals to take action by reducing their carbon footprint and advocating for stronger air pollution standards. Similarly, the Clean Air Fund is a philanthropic initiative that works with various stakeholders, including governments and businesses, to accelerate action on delivering clean air for all.

Local businesses also play a vital role in reducing air pollution. They can implement sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact by following environmental rules and regulations, minimizing waste and emissions, and adopting new technologies. For example, businesses can invest in energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, switch to electric or hand-powered equipment, and promote initiatives such as carpooling or remote work to reduce vehicle emissions.

To support clean air initiatives and local businesses, individuals can get involved by staying informed about local and national clean air initiatives, joining or donating to organizations leading these efforts, and advocating for stronger air quality standards. Additionally, supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility can help encourage and strengthen their commitment to reducing air pollution.

By working together and taking collective action, we can make a significant impact in improving air quality, protecting public health, and addressing climate change.

Reduce wood stove use and backyard fires

Wood stoves and backyard fires are a major source of air pollution, particularly during the cold weather months. The smoke from burning wood contains harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), benzene, formaldehyde, acroleine, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, and methane. These pollutants can have serious impacts on human health, with exposure linked to aggravated asthma symptoms, irregular heartbeat, reduced lung function, and even premature death in those with existing heart or lung disease.

To reduce air pollution from wood stove use, it is recommended to limit or eliminate their use altogether. For those who rely on wood stoves as a primary heat source, it is important to adopt safe and efficient burning practices. This includes using dry wood or manufactured solid fuels, which burn cleaner and produce less smoke than traditional house coal or wet wood. It is also crucial to avoid burning treated wood, such as painted, stained, or chemically treated wood, as these release dangerous pollutants. Regular maintenance of wood stoves is essential, including annual chimney sweeping to prevent soot and tar buildup, which can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of chimney fires.

For those seeking alternatives to wood stove heating, options such as solar panels, electric heat pumps, or natural gas stoves are available. These alternatives produce significantly less particle pollution than wood-burning devices. Additionally, energy conservation practices, such as using energy-efficient appliances and setting air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees, can help reduce the overall demand for heating.

Backyard fires, particularly in urban areas, can also contribute significantly to air pollution. To minimize their impact, it is recommended to keep fires small and brief and use only dry firewood. It is illegal in some places to burn waste in backyard fires, and it is crucial to avoid doing so to prevent the release of additional harmful pollutants. During periods of high air pollution or stagnant weather conditions, it is best to avoid backyard fires altogether.

Frequently asked questions