Clear The Air: Simple Steps To Reduce Outdoor Pollution

Outdoor air pollution is a serious issue that affects people and the environment worldwide. In 2019, it was estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths globally, with 89% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The main sources of outdoor air pollution are manufacturing industries, vehicles, and heating and cooling systems. However, there are also many everyday activities that contribute to the problem. To improve the quality of the air we breathe and protect our health, it is important to take action at both the individual and policy-making levels. This includes making conscious decisions to reduce our personal contribution to air pollution, such as changing our driving habits, as well as advocating for policies that support cleaner transport, energy-efficient homes, and better waste management.

Reduce car emissions by switching to electric vehicles, carpooling, or using public transit

Reducing car emissions is a crucial step in improving outdoor air quality and protecting public health. One effective strategy is to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), carpooling, or using public transit. These options not only decrease emissions but also offer economic benefits and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Electric vehicles, including all-electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), produce significantly lower tailpipe emissions compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In fact, when running solely on electricity, EVs and PHEVs have zero tailpipe emissions, which can greatly reduce air pollution caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. While electricity production for EVs may involve emissions, geographic areas with relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity generation can maximize the environmental benefits of these vehicles.

Carpooling is another effective way to reduce car emissions. When individuals share a single car, it leads to fewer vehicles on the road, resulting in decreased fuel consumption and lower emissions. Governments, companies, and individuals are recognizing the environmental benefits of carpooling, and web applications are being developed to facilitate the organization of carpooling crews, making it a convenient and practical option for many.

Using public transit is also a significant contributor to reducing car emissions. Prioritizing rapid urban transit, walking, and cycling networks in cities, as well as interurban rail for freight and passengers, can substantially decrease emissions from the transportation sector. These modes of transportation reduce the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower fuel consumption and a decrease in the buildup of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

By implementing these strategies, such as switching to electric vehicles, encouraging carpooling, and utilizing public transit, we can effectively reduce car emissions, improve outdoor air quality, and positively impact the environment and public health. These actions are crucial steps towards creating a more sustainable and healthier future for everyone.

Use hand-powered or electric lawn equipment instead of gasoline-powered

Using hand-powered or electric lawn equipment instead of gasoline-powered tools is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the air quality in your immediate environment. Gasoline-powered lawn equipment, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and snow blowers, can contribute to air pollution. These tools often have old two-stroke engines that release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, including hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulate matter.

By switching to hand-powered or electric alternatives, you can significantly reduce these emissions and improve air quality. Hand-powered tools, such as push lawnmowers, require human energy instead of gasoline, making them a more environmentally friendly option. They are also often cheaper to purchase and maintain, as they do not require fuel or oil changes. Electric lawn equipment, such as battery-powered leaf blowers, can also be a good alternative, especially if you live in an area with access to clean energy sources. These tools produce zero emissions, which helps to improve air quality and reduce your environmental impact.

In addition to reducing air pollution, switching to hand-powered or electric lawn equipment can also have health benefits. Gasoline-powered tools can emit harmful pollutants that can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer. By reducing your exposure to these pollutants, you can improve your overall health and well-being. It is also important to properly maintain your lawn equipment to ensure it is running efficiently and not releasing excess emissions. This includes tasks such as regularly changing the oil and air filters, keeping the engine well-lubricated, and storing the equipment in a clean, dry place when not in use.

Making the switch to hand-powered or electric lawn equipment is a simple way to reduce your impact on the environment and improve the air quality in your community. These tools offer a more sustainable and health-conscious alternative to gasoline-powered options, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for everyone. Small changes in our daily routines, such as choosing eco-friendly lawn care, can make a significant difference in the quality of the air we breathe and the health of our planet.

Avoid aerosol sprays and use pump sprays instead

While air pollution is a global issue that requires action from governments and citizens, there are small changes individuals can make to their daily routines to improve the quality of the air they breathe. One such change is to avoid aerosol sprays and opt for pump sprays instead.

Aerosol sprays waste much of the product, spewing it into the air and your lungs instead of the intended target. This contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution, particularly when the aerosol contains volatile chemicals. By switching to non-aerosol products, such as roll-on deodorant, shaving soap, setting lotion, or gel, you can reduce the amount of these chemicals released into the air.

Additionally, choosing pump sprays or non-aerosol products helps to ensure that the product is used efficiently. With aerosols, a significant portion of the contents are lost to the air, while pump sprays direct the product more accurately and minimize waste. This not only reduces air pollution but also ensures that you get the most out of your purchases.

Making this small change in your personal care routine can make a meaningful difference in reducing air pollution. By avoiding aerosol sprays, you are not only protecting your own lungs but also contributing to a healthier environment for everyone. This simple switch aligns with broader efforts to improve air quality and mitigate the harmful health effects of air pollution, which include respiratory and cardiovascular issues, triggering asthma, and even causing premature deaths.

Use natural hardwood charcoal for grilling and avoid lighter fluid

Grilling is a fun and easy way to cook outdoors, but it can also be a source of air pollution. One way to reduce the environmental impact of grilling is to use natural hardwood charcoal instead of lighter fluid to start the fire.

Hardwood charcoal, also known as lump charcoal, is made from natural wood pieces that light up quickly and burn hotter than charcoal briquettes. It imparts a rich, smoky flavor to your food and makes it easier to start the grill without lighter fluid. In addition, hardwood charcoal produces less ash, making cleanup easier.

Lighter fluid, on the other hand, is a petroleum-based product that releases harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere when burned. These compounds contribute to air pollution and can also pose a threat to your health. In fact, Americans release over 14,000 tons of VOCs into the atmosphere from the 46,000 tons of lighter fluid burned every year.

To start your grill without lighter fluid, you can use a charcoal chimney, an electric charcoal starter, or natural combustion agents like fatwood. These methods are not only more environmentally friendly, but they are also safer, as lighting charcoal is the greatest cause of barbecue-related injuries.

In addition to using natural hardwood charcoal and avoiding lighter fluid, there are other ways to make your grilling more environmentally friendly. For example, you can buy a higher-quality, longer-lasting grill to reduce the pollution from manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and recycling. You can also trim excess fat from meat to reduce flare-ups and the release of harmful chemicals into the air.

Stop smoking

Smoking is a significant contributor to poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors. Second-hand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer. Here are some detailed instructions to help individuals quit smoking and improve outdoor air pollution:

Identify your triggers and develop a plan

Understanding your smoking triggers is essential for quitting. A trigger is anything that makes you want to smoke, such as feeling a certain emotion, being in a specific place, or seeing people smoke in movies or TV shows. Keep a diary for a week to track your smoking habits and identify patterns. Note the times you smoke, your location, your emotions, and who you are with. This awareness will help you anticipate challenges and develop strategies to cope with them. For example, if you usually smoke during work breaks, plan an alternative activity like going for a walk or calling a friend.

Set a quit date

Choose a quit date within the next week to ensure you don't lose motivation. Prepare for your quit date by throwing away all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays. Also, consider speaking to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like patches, gum, or lozenges, which can help reduce withdrawal symptoms. These products provide a low level of nicotine, gradually weaning your body off its addiction.

Practice behavioral changes

Behavioral changes are crucial for breaking the smoking habit. Here are some strategies to try:

• Replace smoking with healthier alternatives like deep breathing, chewing gum, or taking a walk.
• Change your routine to avoid triggers. For example, if you usually smoke after dinner, go for a walk or brush your teeth instead.
• Avoid situations where you know smoking will be prevalent, like bars or parties, especially in the early stages of quitting.
• Stay busy and distracted, especially during cravings, by doing activities you enjoy or trying something new like a hobby or sport.

Seek support

Quitting smoking is challenging, and you don't have to do it alone. Support from family, friends, or support groups can make a significant difference. Tell your loved ones about your plan to quit smoking and ask for their encouragement and understanding. You can also join support groups, either in-person or online, to connect with others going through the same journey. These groups provide accountability, encouragement, and valuable advice.

Remember, it's never too late to quit smoking and improve your health and the quality of the air we breathe.

Frequently asked questions