Purifying Air: Simple Steps To Avoid Pollution

Clean air is vital for human health and the ecosystem. Air pollution poses a serious threat to the health of people and the environment. Small changes in our daily routine can make a significant difference in the quality of the air we breathe. We can all take steps to reduce pollution and avoid exposure, but we also need policymakers to prioritize clean air. This includes driving less, using water-based paints, choosing efficient appliances, and planting trees.

Avoid oil-based paints, cleaning solvents, and personal care products with VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical components found in many household products, including paints, cleaning products, carpets, and personal care products. They are used in paint as a drying agent and to dissolve or dilute other ingredients. VOCs have high vapour pressures, which means they evaporate easily and quickly at room temperature when they come into contact with air molecules.

Oil-based paints, cleaning solvents, and personal care products are common sources of VOCs. These products can emit toxic or otherwise harmful fumes, which can be hazardous to the environment and human health. To reduce your exposure and minimize air pollution, it is advisable to avoid oil-based paints and opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints instead. Water-based latex paint, for example, has better colour retention and releases less pollution into the air. It is also important to dispose of paint properly, as chemicals from paint can seep into groundwater.

When choosing cleaning products, opt for those with low VOC content. Green Seal-certified products, for instance, set limits on VOC content that are more restrictive than California's regulatory limits. Avoid aerosol products, and choose fragrance-free options whenever possible, as fragrances are a common source of VOCs in cleaning products.

Personal care products can also contain VOCs, so it is important to check the ingredients and choose products with low or no VOCs. Natural paints, made from materials like clay, lime, linseed oil, and chalk, are typically low in VOCs, but it is important to read labels carefully, as some natural paints may contain unregulated VOCs from ingredients like citrus oils and terpenes.

Drive smart: carpool, bike, bus, or drive a clean diesel vehicle

Driving smart is a key way to keep air clean and avoid air pollution. This involves making smart choices about when, how, and with what we choose to travel.

Carpooling is a great way to cut down on air pollution. When you share rides to work, school, or any other place, you are actively reducing pollution and building a community. Many cars have the capacity for four to five passengers, but often, these seats remain empty, with 44% of the almost billion personal car trips in the US being driven with only one of those seats occupied. Carpooling saves money, reduces traffic and pollution, and is a great way to meet people. New online tools and applications have made it easier than ever to find carpool partners.

Biking is another fantastic way to keep the air clean. Replacing car trips with bike rides directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Fossil fuels are the leading contributor to the climate crisis, and choosing to bike or walk instead of drive can make a big impact on air quality. Biking is not only good for the environment but also has personal well-being and social benefits.

Taking the bus is another way to reduce air pollution. Public transportation reduces the number of cars on the road and lowers air pollution for millions of people.

Finally, if you are looking to buy a new car, consider investing in a clean diesel vehicle. Clean diesel vehicles are up to 35% more efficient than vehicles with gas engines and are among the least polluting vehicles available. However, it is important to note that clean diesel vehicles still produce more CO2 gas and have a larger carbon footprint than hybrid vehicles.

Use natural hardwood charcoal for BBQs and avoid lighter fluid

When it comes to barbecuing, there are ways to do it that are healthier for the environment and for yourself. One way to keep the air clean and avoid air pollution is by using natural hardwood charcoal for BBQs and avoiding lighter fluid. Lighter fluid is full of chemicals that can affect the taste of your food and the smell of your BBQ. Not only that, but the use of lighter fluid barely works because it often burns off before lighting the charcoal.

There are several alternatives to lighter fluid that can be used to start a charcoal BBQ. One option is to use a charcoal chimney starter, which uses paper to ignite the coals from the bottom, providing a more natural start without any chemicals. Another option is to use a charcoal chimney with a toilet paper or paper towel cardboard core in the centre to create a gap, then add charcoal and light it with a match or barbecue lighter. You can also use a combination of crumpled-up newspaper and fire lighter squares to ignite the charcoal. If you're looking for a quicker and more efficient method, you can try an electric charcoal starter, which heats the coals directly but requires access to an electrical outlet.

When choosing charcoal for your BBQ, opt for natural hardwood charcoal with a high heat output and low ash. Avoid charcoal briquettes, as they often contain fillers and binders that you may not want burning near you or seeping into your food. Lump charcoal, or natural lump charcoal, tends to create less ash than briquettes and burns hotter and faster, making it ideal for quick cooks like steaks or burgers. However, keep in mind that lump charcoal requires closer monitoring of the heat due to its faster burn rate.

By following these tips and choosing natural hardwood charcoal and alternative lighting methods, you can enjoy delicious BBQ food while also reducing air pollution and its negative impacts on the environment and your health.

Plant and care for trees, and use electric lawn equipment

Trees are an effective way to improve air quality and reduce air pollution. They achieve this through direct and indirect means. Directly, trees remove gaseous air pollution and particulate matter from the air. The tiny pores on the leaves of trees, called stomata, absorb air that contains toxic pollutants like SO2, NO2, CO, and ozone. These gases are then broken down within the inner surfaces of the leaves. Trees also catch particulate matter on their leaves, branches, and other vegetative surfaces, which is then washed away by rain.

Trees also improve air quality indirectly by shading surfaces and reducing temperatures. This reduces the need for conventional air conditioning and the greenhouse gas emissions that come with it. Lower temperatures also decrease the risk of harmful pollutants like ground-level ozone, which is more common on hot days in urban areas.

When planting trees, it is important to consider the species and ensure biodiversity. Conifers, for example, are an evergreen species that offers excellent pollution reduction through dispersion and deposition. However, no more than 5-10% of an urban forest should be made of the same species or family. It is also important to consider the maintenance and lifespan of the trees, selecting plants that require little attention and will last for several decades.

In addition to planting trees, using electric lawn equipment can also help reduce air pollution. Gas-powered lawn equipment can contribute significantly to local and regional air pollution. Converting to electric equipment can eliminate these emissions and improve air quality. Electric lawn care equipment is also quieter than traditional gas-powered options, making it ideal for neighbourhoods, work-from-home settings, and families with children.

Choose efficient appliances, and turn off electrical items not in use

Choosing efficient appliances and remembering to turn off electrical items that are not in use are simple yet effective ways to keep the air clean and reduce air pollution.

Choose Efficient Appliances

When it comes to choosing appliances, opt for those that are energy-efficient. Energy-efficient appliances not only help reduce your carbon footprint but also lower your utility bills. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which signifies that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These appliances use advanced technologies and innovative designs to deliver the same or better performance while consuming less energy. Examples include LED light bulbs, smart thermostats, energy-efficient washing machines and refrigerators, and more.

Additionally, consider the types of fuel and power sources your appliances use. For instance, instead of gas-powered lawnmowers or leaf blowers, opt for electric or hand-powered alternatives. Gas-powered small engines often lack pollution control devices, and an hour of running a lawnmower can produce as much pollution as a 100-mile car trip!

Turn Off Electrical Items Not in Use

A simple yet impactful habit to cultivate is turning off electrical items when they are not in use. Many electrical devices continue to draw power even when they are switched off or in standby mode. This phenomenon is known as "vampire power" or "phantom load." By unplugging devices or using power strips that can be easily switched off, you can eliminate this wasted energy and reduce your carbon emissions.

Remember to turn off lights, computers, TVs, and other electronics when you leave a room or when they are not being used. This simple action not only saves energy but also helps improve air quality by reducing the demand for electricity, which often comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels and contribute to air pollution.

By combining the use of efficient appliances with diligent practices of turning off electrical items, you can make a significant contribution to keeping the air clean and reducing air pollution. These small changes in your daily routine can lead to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

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