Community Action For Cleaner Air

Air pollution is a serious problem, but it's one that can be solved. While large-scale industrial activity is a major contributor, there are still many things individuals can do to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in their communities. This includes driving less, using public transportation, biking or walking, and reducing energy consumption. Communities can also come together to demand change, such as investing in better public transportation, improving infrastructure for walking and biking, and promoting the use of electric vehicles. Additionally, individuals can support clean air legislation, plant trees, and advocate for policies that address air pollution and emissions reduction.

Reduce car usage

Reducing car usage is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution in a community. Motor vehicles are one of the largest sources of air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which contribute to climate change and health issues.

Walk or Bike

Whenever possible, opt to walk or bike to your destination instead of driving. This is a zero-emission alternative that not only reduces air pollution but also keeps you active and healthy. Walking or biking for shorter distances or in car-free zones can significantly decrease vehicle emissions in your community.

Carpool or Public Transportation

If walking or biking is not feasible, consider carpooling with friends or colleagues. Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, the amount of pollutant emissions. Public transportation, such as buses or trains, is another excellent option for reducing car usage. Utilizing these services can lead to a substantial decrease in air pollution from motor vehicles.

Telecommute and Trip Chain

Working from home, even periodically, can significantly reduce your car usage. Telecommuting not only lowers emissions but also provides flexibility and convenience. Additionally, planning your trips efficiently by combining multiple errands into one trip can help minimize the number of miles driven, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Use Ride-Sharing Services

Take advantage of ride-sharing services, which can help decrease the number of vehicles on the road. These services promote carpooling and can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional taxi services.

Opt for Electric Vehicles

When purchasing a new vehicle, consider choosing electric or hybrid models, which produce fewer or zero exhaust emissions. Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable as they gain popularity, and they contribute significantly to reducing air pollution.

Reducing car usage is a community effort that requires participation from individuals and support from local governments and organizations. Together, these actions can lead to cleaner air and a healthier environment for everyone.

Improve fuel efficiency

Improving fuel efficiency is a key aspect of reducing air pollution in a community. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Choose Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

When purchasing a new vehicle, opt for fuel-efficient options with low greenhouse gas emissions. This includes plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles. These vehicles can help reduce pollution and save money on fuel costs. Utilize resources like the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy and Environment Label to make informed choices.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance of your car is essential for improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, get regular tune-ups, and use the recommended motor oil. Keep your tires properly inflated, as under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage, especially at lower speeds. Additionally, fix any exhaust and oxygen sensor problems promptly.

Drive Efficiently

Driving habits can impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Avoid aggressive acceleration and excessive braking. Go easy on the gas pedal and practice smooth and controlled driving. This will not only reduce fuel consumption but also contribute to safer driving.

Optimize Home Deliveries

Online shopping and home deliveries can contribute to air pollution from vehicles. To improve fuel efficiency, consider consolidating your online purchases and requesting deliveries with minimal packaging. Flexible delivery time windows can also help delivery trucks optimize their routes and reduce unnecessary trips.

Switch to Electric or Efficient Lawn Equipment

Traditional gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment can emit significant pollutants. Opt for electric or hand-powered alternatives, or consider manual reel mowers for small lawns. When purchasing new equipment, look for electric, battery-powered, or advanced emissions reduction technologies that are quieter and produce fewer emissions.

Support Community Initiatives

Encourage and support community initiatives that promote fuel efficiency and reduce air pollution. This can include advocating for better public transportation, infrastructure for walking and biking, and the adoption of electric buses or cleaner energy sources. By working together, communities can implement effective solutions and drive larger-scale change.

Conserve energy

Conserving energy is a key way to reduce air pollution in your community. The demand for electricity has grown exponentially over the past few decades. By conserving energy, you can reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants, protect ecosystems, and preserve the Earth's natural resources.

At Home

• Turn off appliances and lights when not in use. This includes turning off equipment and lights at night and unplugging appliances when they are not in use.
• Use energy-efficient products and equipment. Look for the Energy Star label when buying appliances and home or office equipment. Energy Star-certified products are independently certified to use less energy and reduce emissions.
• Insulate your home. Ensure your house is well-insulated and seal any leaks. This will help reduce heat loss and lower your energy consumption.
• Lower your thermostat. Keep your home heated to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat.
• Use natural light. Paint your walls a light colour to reflect more light and open blinds during the day to bring in natural light.
• Reduce paper usage. Double-side copy paper, reuse single-sided paper, and use electronic documents whenever possible.

Transportation

• Drive less. Opt for carpooling, public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible.
• Choose fuel-efficient vehicles. When purchasing a new vehicle, consider one that runs efficiently and provides good gas mileage.
• Keep your car well-maintained. Regular check-ups can help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.
• Keep tires properly inflated. This will help improve fuel efficiency and reduce your environmental impact.
• Consolidate trips. Plan your errands and trips to reduce the number of miles driven.

Other Tips

• Air dry clothing. Instead of using a dryer, air-dry your clothes or use a clothesline.
• Use renewable energy sources. Consider powering your home with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
• Plant trees. Trees filter pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into the atmosphere.

Plant trees

Trees are a fantastic way to improve air quality and reduce air pollution in your community. They are a natural air filtration system, removing pollutants from the air and absorbing carbon dioxide. According to the US National Park Service, trees improve air quality in three key ways:

• Altering the concentration of pollutants by reducing air temperatures: Trees help to cool the air around them, which can reduce the formation of certain pollutants.
• Reducing energy consumption in buildings: Trees provide shade and can lower the temperature inside buildings, reducing the need for air conditioning and other energy-intensive cooling methods. This, in turn, reduces the consumption of energy from polluting power sources.
• Directly removing pollutants from the air: Trees absorb gaseous molecules and toxic pollutants through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata. Pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter are permanently removed from the atmosphere.

Trees also release clean oxygen into the atmosphere, providing a day's supply of oxygen for up to four people. They help cool our homes and communities, and their presence can lead to a net reduction in urban ozone formation.

The benefits of trees are far-reaching and well documented. They improve human health, enhance ecosystems, and make our communities more visually appealing. In the contiguous US, urban trees remove an estimated 711,000 metric tons of air pollution annually, and their impact on air quality is invaluable.

So, consider planting and caring for trees in your community. It is a simple yet powerful way to improve the air quality and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.

Avoid burning waste

Burning waste is a significant contributor to air pollution and has severe health and environmental implications. It is a common practice in many communities, especially those with inadequate waste management systems. Waste burning releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, black carbon, and other toxic volatile organic compounds. These emissions have severe health impacts, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular complications, and cognitive impairment, with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly being at higher risk.

To reduce air pollution in your community, it is crucial to avoid burning waste. Here are some measures that can help:

• Improve Waste Management Systems: Work with local authorities and community leaders to implement integrated solid waste management systems. This includes providing separate bins for different types of waste, such as compost bins for organic waste and recycling bins for dry waste. Decentralize waste management by involving community members and local waste managers in waste collection and segregation to reduce the occurrence of waste in streets or dumpsites that may be burned.
• Promote Waste Segregation: Encourage community members to segregate waste at the source. Provide educational resources and raise awareness about the benefits of waste segregation, which include improved resource recovery and recycling efficiency.
• Prevent Fires at Dumpsites: Take proactive measures to prevent fires at dumpsites by reducing the amount of unsegregated organic waste. Promote the use of alternative waste treatment methods, such as biomining of legacy waste. Collaborate with state pollution control boards to install air quality monitoring devices that can detect smoke and enable a quick response to dump site fires. Ensure that dumpsite offices are equipped with fire engines or other fire-fighting equipment.
• Address Behavioural Issues: Engage with community members, wards, and resident welfare associations to address behavioural issues related to waste burning. Educate them about the health and environmental risks associated with burning waste. Encourage them to adopt responsible disposal practices, such as composting or recycling, instead of burning.
• Provide Alternatives for Heating Purposes: Open waste burning is sometimes used as a heat source. Work with local entrepreneurs or community leaders to explore and provide affordable and accessible alternative heating solutions for those who rely on waste burning for warmth.
• Raise Awareness and Build Consensus: Conduct comprehensive surveys to verify and acknowledge the problem of waste burning in your community. Collaborate with relevant departments and organizations to create a network of air quality monitoring stations to track real-time burning instances and their impact on air quality. Use this data to raise awareness, build public consensus, and advocate for change.
• Implement Policies and Regulations: Advocate for the adoption of policies and measures at the national and local government levels to reduce waste burning and associated pollution. Support initiatives like the Waste Initiative, which aims to reduce black carbon emissions from open waste burning and improve waste collection and management.

Frequently asked questions