Clear Air Strategies: Solutions For Pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health and well-being of people worldwide. It is caused by various sources, including vehicles, industrial facilities, and even everyday activities in our homes and neighbourhoods. The good news is that there are many ways to combat this problem and clear the air. From individual actions like driving less and adopting energy-efficient practices to city-wide initiatives such as the C40 Clean Air Accelerator, we can all play a part in improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for everyone.

How to Clear Air Pollution

Reduce vehicle usage, opt for carpools, public transport, or electric vehicles

One of the most significant sources of air pollution is vehicle exhaust. To reduce air pollution, it is important to reduce vehicle usage. Carpooling is a great way to achieve this. By sharing rides, you can reduce the number of cars on the road, which leads to less traffic congestion and improved air quality. Carpooling also offers financial benefits, as it reduces fuel costs for individuals. There are now many websites and applications that make it easier to find carpool partners and publicize open spots in your car, such as RideShare.com, ZimRide.com, and carpool groups on CarpoolWorld.com. Facebook also has a free carpool application, making it easier than ever to find a carpool group.

Another option to reduce vehicle usage is to opt for public transportation. Public transport can significantly reduce air pollution by decreasing the number of private cars on the road. However, for this to be effective, there must be a competitive alternative to using a car in the form of improved public transport services. Increasing the price of using a car through fuel taxes, congestion charges, and parking fees can also incentivize people to use public transportation more often.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are also a viable option to reduce air pollution. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered cars, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. While the generation of electricity used to charge EVs may create carbon pollution, the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs are typically lower than those of gasoline cars. This is especially true when renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, are used to generate electricity. Additionally, EVs can be charged during off-peak times, such as overnight, when rates are often cheaper.

To further reduce vehicle usage, consider alternative modes of transportation such as biking or walking. These options not only reduce air pollution but also provide health benefits and contribute to a more active lifestyle.

Limit backyard fires, especially in cities, and avoid open burning of waste

Backyard fires and the open burning of waste are significant contributors to air pollution. They release dangerous pollutants and carcinogens, such as dioxins, furans, and black carbon, which have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. To improve air quality, it is crucial to limit backyard fires, especially in cities, and avoid open waste burning.

In cities, where pollution levels are already elevated, smoke from backyard fires can have a significant impact on the health of residents, particularly those with asthma and other lung conditions. To minimise this, keep fires small, brief, and controlled. In many places, it is illegal to burn waste, even yard waste, as this releases toxic emissions. Instead, opt for proper waste disposal methods, such as waste collection services or municipal waste incinerators, which are safer alternatives.

Before burning anything, always check your local regulations and guidelines. Some areas may have specific restrictions or requirements, such as burn permits, that you need to be aware of. Additionally, consider the weather conditions and avoid starting fires during stagnant weather or air quality alerts.

To further reduce the impact of backyard fires, choose the right fuel. Dry firewood is a standard fire pit fuel that burns cleaner than garbage or building materials. Ensure your fire pit is in an open space, following the recommended size guidelines, typically no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height. Keep your yard tidy and free of debris to minimise the risk of fire spreading.

Lastly, be mindful of alternative options to burning waste. Composting and recycling are environmentally friendly methods of waste management that do not contribute to air pollution. By limiting backyard fires and avoiding open waste burning, we can all play a part in improving air quality and protecting our health and the planet.

Use energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, and reduce energy consumption

Using energy-efficient appliances and heating systems and reducing energy consumption are effective ways to reduce air pollution. Power plants emit toxic fumes, so reducing energy intake lowers the amount of pollution they release.

One way to reduce energy consumption is to use energy-efficient appliances. When buying appliances, look for the "energy star" label. Energy-efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. You can also use a fan instead of air conditioning, and a programmable thermostat can be set to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter.

Heating systems can also be more efficient. For example, you can use a propane or natural gas barbecue instead of a charcoal one. Additionally, you can add insulation to your home and use an EPA-approved wood-burning stove or insert.

It is also important to reduce energy wastage. Turn off electrical items when they are not in use, and unplug multiple appliances from wall sockets using a surge protector. You can also ask your energy supplier for a home energy audit and inquire about alternative energy solutions, such as solar or wind power.

By using energy-efficient appliances and heating systems and reducing energy consumption, you can help reduce air pollution and create a healthier environment for yourself and others.

Plant and care for trees to filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide

Trees are often referred to as the "lungs" of an ecosystem because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen through photosynthesis. They also act as the "liver" of an ecosystem, filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter through their leaves.

Trees are particularly effective at removing particulate matter (PM), which includes tiny particles of organic chemicals, acids, metals, and dust emitted from fossil-fuel-burning vehicles, factories, and construction sites. The largest of these particles are known as PM10s, measuring up to 10 micrometers across, while PM2.5s are even smaller at 2.5 micrometres across.

To harness the power of trees in reducing air pollution, many cities are turning to reforestation and urban greening initiatives. For example, the mayor of London announced in 2019 that 7,000 trees would be planted, and China's Hebei Province is working on a "green necklace" of plants to reduce pollution from factories surrounding Beijing.

When planting and caring for trees to improve air quality, it's important to select the right species for the location. The US Forest Service offers free software called iTree species, which ranks tree species based on variables including air-pollution removal abilities, carbon storage, and VOC emissions. Additionally, maintaining a healthy urban forest requires proper care and maintenance, such as regular watering, pruning, and ensuring adequate soil quality.

By planting and caring for trees, we can not only improve air quality by reducing pollutants and absorbing carbon dioxide but also benefit from the other advantages that trees provide, such as clean oxygen, shade, and improved overall ecosystem health.

Avoid idling vehicles, and maintain them with regular checks and proper inflation

Idling vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution. By turning off your engine when waiting in drive-through lanes, school or daycare drop-off zones, or anywhere else where you might normally leave your engine running, you can play your part in reducing air pollution.

It is also important to keep your vehicle well-maintained. Regular checks can help identify any issues that may be causing excess emissions. For example, it is important to fix exhaust and oxygen sensor problems as soon as possible. Keeping your tires properly inflated is another way to reduce air pollution, as under-inflated tires can increase your vehicle's emissions.

When fueling your vehicle, avoid overfilling by stopping at the click. This will help to avoid releasing dangerous fumes. It is also better for the environment to fuel your vehicle in the early morning or late at night, rather than during the hottest part of the day.

When it is time to replace your vehicle, consider choosing the most efficient, lowest-polluting vehicle you can, or even a zero-emission electric car. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and can help to significantly reduce air pollution.

In addition to these vehicle-specific actions, there are many other simple steps you can take to reduce air pollution. For example, you can reduce your use of air conditioning, switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, and use public transportation or carpool when possible.

Frequently asked questions