Clean Air Strategies: Simple Ways To Reduce Pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of people and the environment. While actions such as the Clean Air Act have achieved significant reductions in air pollution, more needs to be done to address this issue. There are numerous ways individuals can contribute to cleaner air, such as reducing vehicle emissions by driving less, carpooling, using public transportation, or switching to electric vehicles. Conserving energy, using environmentally friendly products, and supporting policy initiatives for clean air are also effective ways to combat air pollution.

How to Help Clean Air Pollution

Reduce car usage, opt for walking, biking, carpooling or public transport

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In the US, the average household uses 1,143 gallons of gas per year, and every car emits its own weight in carbon dioxide annually. Therefore, reducing car usage is one of the most effective ways to decrease air pollution.

One way to reduce car usage is to opt for walking or biking. Walking and cycling do not produce any emissions, and they offer health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. To promote walking and cycling, infrastructure such as safe pedestrian and bike paths, changing rooms at workplaces, and secure parking for bikes near public transport are essential. Additionally, schools should be made accessible by walking or biking, and children should be educated about the benefits of regular exercise and the environmental impacts of traffic.

Another way to reduce car usage is by carpooling. Carpooling reduces the number of cars on the road, thereby decreasing emissions. For example, the average American spends 18 days in their car each year, and driving 20,800 miles annually emits 23,600 lbs of CO2. By carpooling and adding just one extra person to your vehicle, you can save 1,500 lbs of CO2 per year.

Finally, using public transportation instead of driving can also help reduce air pollution. Smart technologies integrated with public transportation systems can help monitor and improve air quality. Additionally, efficient public transportation systems can reduce the need for private car ownership and usage, thereby lowering emissions.

Choose energy-efficient vehicles, with good gas mileage

Choosing energy-efficient vehicles with good gas mileage is a great way to help reduce air pollution. Electric vehicles, for example, have zero tailpipe emissions, which means they don't produce any direct emissions through the tailpipe like conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. This can lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, improving air quality and reducing the negative impacts on the environment and human health.

While electric vehicles (EVs) do require electricity production, which can generate emissions, they still offer a large life cycle emissions advantage over conventional vehicles, especially in areas with relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity generation. Additionally, recycling EV batteries can reduce emissions associated with manufacturing, and advancements in battery technology have led to very low failure rates and improved environmental performance.

To promote the use of energy-efficient vehicles, individuals can refer to resources such as the Green Vehicle Guide, which provides information on greener transportation options, including electric vehicles and shared mobility. Individuals can also take advantage of incentives and programs offered by organizations like the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which aims to reduce air pollution from vehicles.

Another way to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions is to keep your vehicle well-maintained. Fixing issues with the exhaust and oxygen sensor promptly can help minimize pollution. Additionally, carpooling and reducing the overall amount of driving can also contribute to lower emissions and improved air quality.

By choosing energy-efficient vehicles, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution, protecting the environment, and improving public health. With advancements in technology and the increasing availability of electric vehicles, we can make significant progress toward achieving our climate-projection goals and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Avoid idling, turn off engines when waiting or refueling

Idling engines are a significant source of air pollution. An idling car can release as much pollution as a moving car, and millions of cars and trucks idle needlessly every day in the US. To help combat this, it is important to turn off your engine when waiting or refueling.

Firstly, it is unnecessary to let your car idle when warming up the engine. Modern electronic engines do not need to warm up, even in winter. The best way to warm up your engine is to start driving; the engine will warm twice as fast this way, and you will also get warmer air faster in the car cabin.

Secondly, if you are waiting for someone or something, turn off your ignition if you're waiting for more than 10 seconds. It is a common misconception that restarting your car burns more fuel than leaving it idling, but idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine. If you are parked and waiting, it is healthier to get out of your car and go inside a store or building, as you will be breathing in less of the dirty exhaust that leaks into the car cabin.

Thirdly, always turn off your engine when refueling. If you have a vehicle with a turbo, it may need to run at idle to cool down adequately before shutting down, but this is not always the case. If you turn off the engine before the turbo has cooled, the turbo will heat soak, which will greatly shorten its lifespan. However, this is not a reason to let your engine idle for an extended period, and you should only let it idle for the minimum amount of time required.

Finally, there are other ways to reduce air pollution from vehicles. You can drive your car less by choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as walking or biking, or by carpooling or using public transportation. You can also keep your car well-maintained, fixing any exhaust or oxygen sensor problems as soon as possible, and consider buying an electric vehicle.

Reduce energy consumption, use less power and conserve electricity

Energy consumption is a major contributor to air pollution. Oil and gas are still the world's predominant sources of energy, and burning these fossil fuels creates harmful emissions. Therefore, reducing energy consumption is a key way to help clean the air.

Use less power

At home, there are many ways to reduce your energy consumption. Using energy-efficient appliances and lighting is one of the most effective ways to reduce electricity demand. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new appliances, and consider replacing old gas appliances with electric ones. You can also reduce your energy consumption by turning down your thermostat a little in the summer and up in the winter. Simple actions like turning off appliances and lights when not in use, and opening blinds to use natural light during the day, can also help.

Transportation

Transportation is a major source of air pollution, with vehicle exhaust fumes contributing significantly to harmful emissions. To reduce your energy consumption when it comes to transportation, consider walking or riding a bike for short journeys, or taking public transport. Carpooling is another great way to reduce emissions, as it lowers the number of vehicles on the road. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and are a much cleaner alternative to traditional cars, so consider switching to an electric vehicle if possible.

Clean energy

Transitioning to clean energy sources is a key way to reduce air pollution. Solar, wind, and water power are all clean sources of energy that can be used to generate electricity. Governments and communities can encourage the adoption of clean energy sources through subsidies and tax incentives, and by establishing clean energy use as a social norm.

Choose eco-friendly paints, cleaning products and solvents

When it comes to choosing eco-friendly paints, cleaning products, and solvents, there are several options available that can help reduce air pollution.

For cleaning products, it is important to opt for sustainable and biodegradable options. This includes choosing products that are plant-based, such as laundry detergent sheets, which are also vegan and cruelty-free. Another example is a vegetable brush with a bamboo base instead of a plastic one. This reduces the amount of plastic released into the environment, which can have harmful effects on wildlife and contribute to air pollution when incinerated.

Additionally, natural cleansing bars and stain removers are available as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products. These natural products are free from harsh chemicals, which not only improves air quality but also has health benefits for the user, reducing the likelihood of headaches and nausea caused by toxic fumes.

In terms of eco-friendly paints, water-based paints are a good option. These paints are formulated without the harsh chemicals found in conventional paints, reducing air pollution and the health risks associated with inhaling toxic fumes.

Solvents are also available in more environmentally friendly options, known as green solvents. These are derived from the processing of agricultural crops or other sustainable methods, rather than from petrochemicals. For example, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are easy to produce from low-cost, well-known ecotoxicity components, and terpenes are obtained from certain parts of plants. Ionic liquids are another type of green solvent that is non-flammable and chemically stable, with low volatility that limits VOC emissions.

Frequently asked questions