Los Angeles' Air: Strategies For Pollution Reduction

Los Angeles, California is known for its entertainment businesses, Hollywood, and the American film industry. However, it has also gained a reputation for its poor air quality, which has severe impacts on the health of its residents. The air pollution in LA is caused by emissions from vehicles, manufacturers, and the shipping industry, as well as severe heatwaves and wildfires. With the right strategies, such as improving public transportation and transitioning to electric vehicles, it is possible to reduce air pollution in Los Angeles and improve the health and well-being of its residents.

Improving public transport

Public transport is an environmentally friendly way of getting around. It moves more people in fewer vehicles, reducing the number of pollutants entering the air. Transit also helps reduce congestion, which in turn reduces emissions from cars stuck in traffic.

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has taken steps to improve air quality and public health by using more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as adopting renewable energy and facilities.

Metro has the nation's largest fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, and its Orange Line bus rapid transit is going fully electric by 2020. The entire Metro bus fleet will be electric by 2030.

The Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, in partnership with Los Angeles County, Metro, CARB and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), developed a Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap. This roadmap seeks to accelerate the transition of privately-owned cars and trucks to electric vehicles, which will significantly improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Other Ways to Improve Public Transport

• Make public transport accessible to all residents.
• Improve cleaning practices and enforce social distancing.
• Encourage commuters to wear face coverings.
• Implement heighted idling fines. Idling a vehicle for just 10 minutes puts approximately one pound of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Reducing car use

Los Angeles is known for its car-centric culture, but there are growing efforts to reduce car use and improve air quality in the city. Here are some strategies to reduce car use in Los Angeles:

Improve public transportation

Los Angeles County is one of the most polluted areas in the country, largely due to motor vehicle emissions. To address this issue, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has taken steps to improve air quality by using more fuel-efficient vehicles and adopting renewable energy. Expanding and improving public transportation systems, such as buses and trains, can provide accessible and environmentally friendly alternatives to driving. This includes the nation's largest fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and plans to electrify the entire Metro bus fleet by 2030.

Encourage active transportation

Creating infrastructure that supports walking and cycling can help reduce car use. The "Healthy Streets LA" (HLA) measure, passed by referendum, calls for the creation of hundreds of kilometres of protected bike lanes and bus lanes. This not only improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists but also makes active transportation a more attractive option for short distances.

Reduce the need for private cars

Los Angeles can implement strategies to reduce the reliance on private cars. This includes developing communities where essential amenities, such as work, healthcare, schools, and cultural outlets, are within walking or biking distance. This concept, known as the "15-minute city," can help reduce the number of car trips and encourage active transportation.

Promote carpooling and shared mobility

Encouraging carpooling and the use of shared mobility services, such as ride-sharing, can help reduce the number of cars on the road. Local transportation officials in Los Angeles have introduced initiatives such as providing residents with subsidies for public transportation and offering a $1 local ride-sharing service.

Implement congestion pricing

Congestion pricing has been successfully implemented in cities like London and Stockholm, and Los Angeles is considering a similar strategy. By charging tolls on certain roads during peak hours, congestion pricing can encourage people to drive less, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Using energy-efficient light bulbs

Los Angeles is one of the most polluted areas in the United States, with air quality that poses major health risks for its residents. While motor vehicle exhaust is a leading cause of air pollution in LA, about half of California's air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Therefore, reducing car and truck trips can help improve air quality.

Another way to reduce air pollution in LA is by using energy-efficient light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs are the least efficient type of lighting and are terrible for the environment. Here's how you can contribute to reducing air pollution by using energy-efficient light bulbs:

The Problem with Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are the least efficient type of lighting. According to Matthew J. Eckelman, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University, only two to three percent of the electricity powering the bulb is converted to visible light. For an incandescent bulb to work, the tungsten filament inside must be heated to the point that it glows. The rest of the electrical power supplied to the bulb that isn't converted to visible light is lost as heat. Incandescent bulbs also have shorter lifetimes compared to other lighting technologies, requiring more frequent replacements.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Energy-efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer significant benefits. CFLs and LEDs use about 75% and 90% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, respectively. They also last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

How to Make the Switch

• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs): By replacing incandescent light fixtures with CFLs, you can save 75% of the energy used. However, CFLs are more affected by the number of times they are switched on and off, so it is recommended to only turn them off when leaving the room for more than 15 minutes.
• Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs): LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting technology available today. They require less electricity to produce a light output and last longer than other options. If every household in the country replaced one incandescent light bulb with an LED, it would save enough energy annually to prevent GHG emissions equivalent to what 800,000 cars would produce.

Eating locally-sourced food

The idea behind eating locally is that reducing the distance your food travels will result in fewer emissions from transportation. In the United States, conventionally produced foods are said to travel 1,500 miles from farm to table, while locally produced foods typically travel within a 100-mile radius or less than 400 miles from their origin. A study by Rich Pirog found that conventional food distribution produced 5 to 17 times more CO2 emissions than local and regional food production.

However, the impact of food on the climate depends not only on the distance it travels but also on the mode of transportation and the production methods. Transportation accounts for about 11% of food-related greenhouse gas emissions, with the final delivery stage responsible for only 4%. Rail and water transport are more energy-efficient than air or truck transport.

The production of food, including farming practices and changes in land use, accounts for a much larger share of emissions, about 83%. Nitrous oxide and methane emissions, which are much more potent than CO2, are released during fertilizer use, soil and manure management, and the digestive processes of ruminants.

While eating locally-sourced food may only reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by 4-5% at best, it has other benefits. Local food keeps money in the community, often costs less, and builds community relations. Small and local farms are also more likely to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing pesticide use and increasing crop diversity.

To reduce air pollution in Los Angeles, you can support local farmers by shopping at farmers' markets and buying organic, seasonal produce. You can also reduce your overall carbon footprint by choosing plant-based foods or substituting red meat and dairy with chicken, fish, eggs, or vegetables a few days a week.

Using electric lawn mowers

Los Angeles is one of the most polluted areas in the US, with air quality posing major health risks to residents. Motor vehicle exhaust is a leading cause of this air pollution, so it is important to reduce emissions from cars, trucks, and other vehicles. However, it is not just cars and trucks that contribute to this issue. According to the EPA, gas-powered lawn mowers represent 5% of US air pollution. In this regard, electric lawn mowers can be a great alternative to reduce air pollution in Los Angeles.

Gas-powered lawn mowers emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, which produce up to 5% of the nation's air pollution and an even greater proportion in metropolitan areas. The EPA estimates that a gas-powered lawn mower can produce as many emissions in one hour as 11 new cars being driven for the same duration. Additionally, older, more powerful, and less efficient two-cycle engines release 25-30% of their oil and gas unburned into the air.

Benefits of Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawn mowers offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered options. While they do not completely eliminate pollution, they have several advantages:

• More regulated emissions: The electric industry is subject to stricter regulations, and emissions are not released directly into your backyard.
• Reduced gas spills: Electric mowers eliminate the risk of gas spills during refueling, which is a significant environmental concern.
• Potential for net environmental savings: Depending on the efficiency of the power plant supplying the electricity, switching from gas to electric mowers can result in a net reduction in pollution.
• Reel mowers have a zero-carbon footprint: If you're seeking the most eco-friendly option, consider a reel mower, which is human-powered and produces no emissions.

Tips for Using Electric Lawn Mowers

• Compare different models: There are various electric lawn mower options available, such as cordless or corded electric mowers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
• Consider reel mowers: For the most environmentally friendly option, choose a reel mower, which is quieter and has no carbon emissions.
• Maintain your mower: Ensure your electric mower is well-maintained to optimize its performance and minimize any potential emissions.
• Be mindful of energy sources: Remember that the environmental benefits of electric mowers depend on the cleanliness of the energy sources used to charge them or power your home.

Frequently asked questions