Strategies To Reduce Air Pollution And Breathe Easier

Air pollution is a serious problem, but it is one that can be solved. While governments and international organisations are taking action to reduce air pollution, there are also simple steps that individuals can take in their everyday lives to help improve air quality. This includes driving less, turning off your engine when waiting, using less energy, and planting trees.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to global air pollution, with cars, trucks, and buses responsible for a wide range of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ground-level ozone. To reduce vehicle emissions and minimize air pollution, consider the following strategies:

Reduce the Use of Vehicles

One of the most effective ways to reduce vehicle emissions is to simply drive less. Opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation whenever possible. This not only reduces emissions but also brings health and financial benefits.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Proper maintenance of your vehicle is crucial for minimizing emissions. Keep your tires properly inflated, as this makes your vehicle more fuel-efficient and reduces fuel consumption. Regular maintenance checks can help identify any issues with emission controls, which, if not functioning properly, can cause increased pollution. Address any issues with your exhaust and oxygen sensor as soon as possible.

Choose Fuel-Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

When purchasing a new vehicle, prioritize fuel efficiency and low emissions. Look for vehicles with advanced emissions reduction technologies, such as electric, hybrid, or fuel-efficient gas models. The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy and Environment Label can help you compare different models and choose the most environmentally friendly option.

Limit Idling

Unnecessary idling of vehicles contributes significantly to air pollution and fuel wastage. Avoid leaving your engine running while waiting, especially in drive-through lines and school pick-up zones. Modern vehicles do not require prolonged warming up in cold weather, so turn on the engine only when you are ready to drive.

Reduce Fuel Consumption

Minimizing fuel consumption directly reduces emissions. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle to reduce weight and optimize fuel efficiency. Drive at posted speed limits, accelerate gradually, and avoid sudden stops and starts. Additionally, when refueling, choose the early or late hours of the day when temperatures are cooler, as this helps reduce the release of dangerous fumes.

By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce vehicle emissions and contribute to improved air quality and a healthier environment.

Limit backyard fires

Backyard fires are a significant source of air pollution, particularly in metropolitan areas. Smoke from these fires contains gases and fine particles, which can cause eye and lung irritation, headaches, dizziness, coughing, and wheezing. Vulnerable groups, such as children, teenagers, older adults, and people with heart or lung diseases, are especially susceptible to the adverse health effects of this particle pollution.

To limit backyard fires and minimise air pollution, it is recommended to:

• Check local regulations and only burn when allowed. Some regions have ordinances restricting backyard fires, especially during periods of poor air quality.
• Keep fires small and brief if you do have them. In some cities, it is illegal to burn any waste, including yard waste.
• Only burn dry firewood. Green wood, construction waste, plastic, and garbage create more smoke and release toxic pollutants.
• Be mindful of wind direction and consider your neighbours. Smoke can travel and affect the air quality for hundreds of people, especially during stagnant weather.
• Sign up for alerts about elevated air pollution levels and avoid burning wood on these days.
• Switch to natural gas or propane burners for your fire pit or outdoor fireplace. These alternatives produce fewer harmful air pollutants.

Additionally, consider alternative ways to enjoy warmth and recreation outdoors, such as using patio heaters or fire pits that use propane or natural gas.

Use less energy

Using less energy is a great way to minimise air pollution. Energy from burning fossil fuels is the most polluting, and even electricity often requires some fossil fuels unless it comes from renewable sources. Therefore, reducing energy consumption at home is a good place to start.

Some simple habits to reduce energy usage at home include turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging chargers, and turning off unused devices to avoid "phantom" energy drain. You can also adjust your thermostat, use efficient light bulbs, and seal drafts to lower your energy usage. When buying new appliances, opt for energy-efficient models that consume less power while maintaining performance. For example, replace energy-hungry incandescent lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Another way to use less energy is to opt for cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable ways to travel. This includes walking, riding a bike, carpooling, or using public transportation whenever possible. If you must use a vehicle, consider an electric, hybrid, or smaller, more fuel-efficient car. These generally cost less to fuel and operate, and reduce pollutants that contribute to urban smog and greenhouse gases.

Finally, you can use less energy by adopting eco-friendly practices at home and in your yard. This includes using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products, as well as choosing products made from sustainable and recycled materials.

Plant and care for trees

Trees are often referred to as the "lungs" of an ecosystem, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. They also act as the ecosystem's "liver", filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone through their leaves.

Trees can improve air quality in both direct and indirect ways. Directly, trees remove air pollution by intercepting particulate matter on their surfaces and absorbing gaseous pollutants through the leaf stomata. The tiny pores on tree leaf surfaces absorb air that includes toxic pollutants. Once inside the leaf, the gases diffuse into intercellular spaces and react with the inner-leaf surfaces, permanently converting pollutants. However, ground-level ozone can significantly reduce tree growth, injure foliage, and make trees more susceptible to insects and diseases. Trees can also remove particulate matter by "catching" them temporarily. Fine particulate matter is deposited on tree surfaces, clinging to leaves and stems instead of floating in the air. With rain or precipitation, the particulates can be dissolved in stormwater runoff or transferred to the soil.

Trees also improve air quality indirectly by shading surfaces and reducing temperatures. Shading buildings with trees lessens the need for conventional air conditioning and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases associated with it. Lower temperatures also decrease the risk of harmful pollutants like ground-level ozone, which commonly spike on hot days in urban areas.

When planting and caring for trees, it is important to note that some trees are more effective at filtering pollutants than others. Native trees tend to emit fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than non-native trees, although this may vary depending on the location. Conifers like hemlocks and junipers, and deciduous trees like elms, horse chestnuts, and basswood are examples of low-VOC plants.

Buy sustainable products

Buying sustainable products is an effective way to minimise air pollution. Firstly, it is important to reduce energy consumption and choose products that are energy-efficient. When buying home or office equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Opt for compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent lights. Use a fan instead of air conditioning, and set your thermostat to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter. Install low-flow showerheads and use a washing line or rack to air-dry your clothes.

Secondly, choose products made from sustainable and recycled materials, such as bamboo, hemp, or recycled wood. Avoid single-use plastic and disposable products by using reusable alternatives, such as washable dishes, utensils, and fabric napkins, as well as durable reusable grocery bags. Buy sustainable clothing made from recycled materials, such as swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles, or choose organic, toxin-free garments.

Thirdly, reduce your exposure to chemicals and pollutants in the home. Be mindful of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM), which can trigger asthma and respiratory issues. Use natural, non-toxic cleaning products and paints. If you use a wood-burning stove, ensure it is EPA-approved.

Finally, support businesses and local initiatives that promote sustainability. Shop at farmers' markets, buy organic produce, and support eco-friendly companies, such as those that use recycled packaging or offset their carbon emissions. By making conscious choices and supporting sustainable practices, you can help minimise air pollution and contribute to a healthier planet.

Frequently asked questions