Purifying Air: Simple Steps To Reduce Air Pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of people and the planet. While industries and companies contribute significantly to air pollution, individuals can also make a difference and improve air quality. One of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution is to decrease the use of cars, as they are a major source of harmful emissions. This can be achieved by walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transportation whenever possible. In addition to reducing car usage, proper vehicle maintenance, such as keeping tires inflated and regular servicing, can also lower emissions. Beyond transportation, individuals can contribute by conserving energy, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for environmentally friendly products. These small changes can collectively have a significant impact on reducing air pollution and creating a healthier environment for all.

Reduce car usage

Reducing the number of miles driven is the best way to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. The fewer miles driven, the fewer emissions are produced. Here are some tips to help you reduce your car usage:

Carpool or Ride-Share

If you can, share rides with friends or colleagues, or use ride-sharing services. Carpooling reduces the number of cars on the road and, therefore, the amount of pollution. It also saves money on fuel costs.

Public Transportation

Take the bus, train, or subway whenever possible. Public transportation systems are more energy-efficient per person than private cars, so opting for these options can help reduce air pollution.

Walk or Bike

For shorter distances, consider walking or biking to your destination. These options are zero-emission ways of getting around and also have health benefits. If your destination is too far to walk or cycle, try to combine several shorter trips together.

Work from Home

If your job allows it, work from home periodically to reduce your commute and the number of miles driven. Telecommuting can help reduce air pollution and also save money on fuel costs.

Plan and Combine Trips

Plan your trips efficiently by combining multiple errands into one trip. This reduces the number of times you need to drive, thereby lowering emissions. You can also try to do your errands at the same time as others, to make use of ride-sharing or carpooling options.

Maintain your vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle is a great way to reduce air pollution. Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle is running as cleanly and efficiently as possible:

Regular Servicing and Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for your vehicle, including regular oil changes and other maintenance. Refer to your owner's manual for guidance on service intervals and the correct grade of oil to use. It is also important to keep your vehicle in good repair. Fix any issues, such as exhaust and oxygen sensor problems, as soon as possible. A well-maintained vehicle will not only reduce air pollution but will also improve fuel efficiency and enhance your car's performance.

Tyre Maintenance

Keep your tyres properly inflated. Under-inflated tyres can lower gas mileage, especially at lower speeds, and make your vehicle less efficient, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. Check your tyre pressure monthly and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Air Filter

A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, leading to various issues and premature wear and tear. Check the recommended service intervals for air filter replacement and consider changing it more frequently if you live in a dusty environment.

Avoid Idling

Minimise the time your vehicle spends idling. Turn off the engine when parked or stuck in traffic for more than 10 seconds. Idling for long periods wastes fuel and creates unnecessary pollution. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your engine does not use more fuel than letting it run, and it is unlikely to cause excessive wear on your starter or other parts.

Efficient Driving

Adopting fuel-efficient driving habits can significantly reduce emissions. Avoid high RPMs, brake sooner, and maintain a moderate speed to reduce wear and tear while maximising efficiency. Accelerate gradually and strive to maintain a steady speed to avoid frequent stops and starts. Removing unnecessary accessories like roof racks when not in use can also improve your vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency and reduce drag.

Avoid burning trash

Burning trash is a common method to dispose of garbage, especially in rural areas and communities with inadequate waste management systems. However, it is a significant source of air pollution and can be extremely harmful to your health and the environment.

Trash fires produce harmful chemicals such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particle pollution. These compounds contribute to global warming, ozone depletion, and the formation of smog. Burning garbage in a barrel or pile produces more carbon monoxide than decomposition in a landfill, and carbon monoxide is a significant greenhouse gas. Particle pollution, or particulate matter, is another major issue, especially for rural communities, as it reduces visibility and creates haze. It also transports dangerous chemicals, such as dioxins, and can cause eye and lung irritation, headaches, dizziness, coughing, wheezing, and asthma.

The smoke from backyard burning is released close to the ground, where people can easily breathe it in. It can deposit chemicals on garden vegetables and soil, and these chemicals can be ingested by people eating the produce or by animals consuming contaminated feed or soil. Young children are particularly at risk due to their small size and developing bodies. Additionally, unattended burn barrels or fires can cause accidental fires, and trash fires can easily spread to residential, brush, and forest areas, especially during drought conditions.

To avoid burning your trash, consider the following alternatives:

• Reduce waste by avoiding unnecessary purchases and choosing products with minimal packaging.
• Reuse items whenever possible and opt for refillable containers.
• Learn about your community's recycling programs and properly dispose of your recyclables.
• Compost plant-based kitchen and yard waste.
• Hire a sanitation service to collect and properly dispose of your trash, or work with your neighbors to develop a shared service.
• Utilize the best waste disposal practices established in your municipality.

By adopting these practices, you can help improve air quality, protect your health and the environment, and comply with legal restrictions on open burning.

Plant and care for trees

Trees are the earth's purification system, absorbing airborne chemicals and releasing oxygen. They can help to reduce air pollution, but it's important to plant the right tree in the right place.

Choosing the right tree

When selecting a tree, consider its purpose. Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade, or as a windbreak? Also, consider the planting site limitations, such as the maximum height and spread, sun exposure, and soil conditions. Choose a tree that will thrive in the location you have selected.

When to plant

The best time to plant trees is when they are dormant, so they are less likely to get damaged. In general, the tree-planting season runs between November and March. Before planting, mark out where each tree will be placed and ensure the area is free of weeds and grass to reduce competition for water.

How to plant

• Dig a square hole that is slightly wider than the pot your tree is in, but no deeper. Square holes help the roots to spread.
• Lightly fork the base and sides of the hole to ensure the soil isn't compacted.
• Remove the pot and any wrapping from the roots.
• Tease out and unwind any circling roots and cut off any damaged ones.
• Stand the tree in the hole and use a cane to check that the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface.
• Backfill around the rootball with soil, shaking the tree gently to help the soil settle.
• Use your heel to firm the soil around the rootball to ensure good contact between the roots and the soil.
• If planting in an exposed site, stake the tree to prevent windrock, which can damage the roots.
• Water the tree thoroughly and keep it watered during dry spells for at least the first year.

Tree care

Newly planted trees require regular water and care to thrive. They need approximately 25 gallons of water per week, equal to 1.5 inches of rainfall. Mulch is also important, as it insulates the soil, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, prevents soil compaction, and reduces the risk of lawnmower damage. Apply mulch using the 3-3-3 rule: 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree.

Pruning is also an essential part of tree care. Remove any broken, diseased, or damaged branches. When pruning, always cut to a bud, lateral branch, or main trunk, and do not remove more than one-quarter of the living crown at one time. If removing a branch, make the final cut flush with the stem to optimize healing.

By planting and caring for trees, you can help to reduce air pollution and improve the health of the planet and all its inhabitants.

Conserve energy

Conserving energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution. Energy production and use is the largest source of anthropogenic air pollution in the world. Therefore, reducing energy consumption can significantly decrease air pollution and its associated negative side effects.

At Home

• Turn down the thermostat: Keep your home heated to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat. In the summer, dress in cooler clothing to save on air conditioning costs and energy.
• Lower your water temperature: Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to cut your water heating costs by 6-10%.
• Purchase energy-efficient products: Look for the Energy Star label on products and equipment. Energy-efficient appliances can reduce your energy bill by 30% and your electric lighting charges by 40% while cutting pollution. For example, replacing old light bulbs with energy-conserving compact fluorescent bulbs can save 75% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs.
• Insulate your house: Ensure your house is well insulated and, if heated or cooled, keep windows and doors closed. Seal all leaks and use weatherstrip tape to block heat transfer through windows and doors. Install blinds or storm windows for added insulation.
• Insulate pipes and fixtures: Insulate your hot water heater, heating and cooling pipes, and waterbeds to reduce heat loss and save energy.
• Replace your showerhead: Use a low-flow showerhead to reduce water consumption and the energy required to heat the water.
• Turn off appliances: Turn off appliances and lights when not in use, and unplug appliances when they are not in use.
• Use LED lighting: LED lights are more efficient, durable, versatile, and longer-lasting than incandescent and compact fluorescent lights. Look for the Energy Star label when choosing LED bulbs.
• Clean or replace filters: Regularly clean or replace filters in your furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump to improve indoor air quality and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
• Increase natural light: Paint your walls with light-coloured paint to reflect more light and open blinds during the day to bring in natural light instead of turning on lights.
• Reduce paper usage: Double-side documents when printing, reuse single-sided paper, and use electronic documents to save energy and natural resources.

On the Road

• Use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk: Opt for public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible to reduce vehicle emissions and conserve energy.
• Keep your vehicle properly tuned: Ensure your car, boat, and other engines are properly tuned and maintained to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
• Maintain proper tire inflation: Keep your tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce your impact on the environment.
• Refuel efficiently: Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, avoid spilling fuel, and always tighten your gas cap securely.
• Combine errands and reduce trips: Plan your trips to reduce the number of times you need to drive. Walk or bike to nearby destinations if possible.
• Avoid idling: Minimize excessive idling of your vehicle to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.

By following these energy conservation tips, you can not only reduce air pollution but also lower your energy bills and contribute to a healthier planet.

Frequently asked questions