Air Pollution: Simple Steps For Cleaner Surroundings

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of our planet and its people. It is caused by the release of harmful particles, chemicals, and gases into the atmosphere, which can have devastating consequences for the environment and our well-being. While it may seem like a daunting task to tackle, there are numerous ways we can actively reduce air pollution in our surroundings and contribute to a healthier world. From adjusting our daily habits to advocating for systemic change, every small action counts in the fight against air pollution.

Reduce car usage

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. To reduce air pollution in your surroundings, you can take several measures to reduce car usage and opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Walk or Bike

One of the simplest ways to reduce car usage is to walk or bike to your destination whenever possible. This not only reduces air pollution but also provides health benefits by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Walking and biking are ideal for shorter distances and can help reduce congestion and pollution around schools and workplaces.

Use Public Transportation

For longer distances, consider utilising public transportation options such as buses, trains, subways, or commuter trains. These alternatives can be cheaper and more convenient than driving and parking your car. Public transportation helps reduce congestion and your carbon footprint, as they have lower CO2 emissions per passenger compared to car travel.

Carpool

If public transportation is not feasible in your area, consider carpooling with friends, colleagues, or neighbours. Carpooling reduces the number of cars on the road, thereby lowering vehicle emissions and saving you money on fuel costs.

Plan and Combine Trips

Plan your trips efficiently by combining multiple errands or tasks into one journey. This approach reduces the number of individual car trips and maximises the use of your vehicle. You can also top up between big shopping trips by supporting local businesses to meet your immediate needs.

Work Remotely

If your job allows it, consider working from home periodically. Telecommuting reduces the need for daily commutes, thereby decreasing vehicle emissions and improving air quality.

Choose Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

When purchasing a vehicle, opt for fuel-efficient models with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles are more environmentally friendly choices that can help reduce air pollution. These vehicles emit fewer pollutants and often provide fuel cost savings.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce car usage and contribute to improving the air quality in your surroundings.

Avoid burning wood, trash, or leaves

Burning wood, trash, or leaves releases smoke and toxic gases, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic organic matter (POMs). The particulate matter and toxic gases released during burning can irritate the eyes and nose and cause breathing difficulties, coughing, and headaches. People with heart disease, asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases are especially vulnerable to these air pollutants.

To reduce air pollution, avoid burning wood, trash, or leaves in your backyard or garden. Instead, opt for composting, mulching, recycling, or other garbage disposal methods. Contact your local government to inquire about trash hauling services or to advocate for the regulation of leaf burning and other sources of air pollution.

If you must burn wood for residential heating, only burn clean, dry, untreated wood. New US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved wood stoves and fireplaces significantly reduce air pollution and smoke. Avoid burning particleboard or treated, stained, painted, or wet wood, as they release very toxic chemicals.

Additionally, be mindful of state and local burning laws. For example, burning wet cardboard, plastics, oily substances, rubber products, or asphalt is prohibited in Wisconsin.

Use energy-efficient appliances

Using energy-efficient appliances is a great way to reduce air pollution in your surroundings and improve the air you breathe. Energy efficiency is about using technology to reduce energy waste, so you can still perform your daily tasks but using less energy. This is good for your wallet and the broader economy, and it also relieves stress on the power grid and infrastructure.

Energy efficiency is also beneficial for the planet, as it helps to reduce air and water pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants and avoid negative impacts on critical ecosystems. It is an inexpensive, low-impact way to reduce climate pollution, including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, on a grand scale.

Look for the Energy Star Label

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star label is a trusted indicator of energy efficiency. It can be found on over 75 types of products, including major appliances, lighting, and home electronics. Energy Star-certified compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) bulbs can save you 75% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs. Energy Star appliances often offer eco settings that reduce the energy and water needed to run them.

Upgrade Your Major Appliances

Replace older appliances with energy-efficient models. For example, a newer fridge with the Energy Star label uses 35% less electricity than an older fridge. Energy Star washing machines use one-fourth less energy and one-third less water than standard models.

Heat and Cool Efficiently

Invest in Energy Star-labeled heat pumps, air conditioners, and central air-conditioning units. These can cut your energy bills and reduce pollution. Super-efficient electric heat pumps are a cleaner and more affordable option for heating and cooling, especially compared to oil and propane furnaces.

Improve Water Heating

Water heaters often account for a significant portion of a home's energy consumption. Heat pump technology is the most efficient way to heat water. Heat pump water heaters are more effective than electric resistance heaters and much cleaner than gas and propane water heaters, as they emit zero greenhouse gases or toxins during operation.

Switch to LED Lighting

LED lighting is more efficient, durable, versatile, and longer-lasting than incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting. Replace regular light bulbs with LEDs, and look for Energy Star-certified LED bulbs.

Insulate Your Home

Ensure your house is well-insulated and seal all leaks. This will help you maintain a comfortable temperature while using less energy. Raise shades in the winter to let in natural light and heat, and lower them in the summer to block out the sun's heat.

Reduce Hot Water Usage

Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will cut your water heating costs and reduce the energy required to heat the water.

By following these tips and choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can significantly reduce air pollution, lower your energy bills, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Plant and care for trees

Trees are an excellent way to reduce air pollution in our surroundings. They help to improve air quality in two ways: directly, by removing pollutants from the air, and indirectly, by shading surfaces and reducing temperatures.

Choosing the Right Trees

When selecting trees to plant, it's important to consider the specific traits of different species. Some trees are more effective at filtering pollutants than others. For example, conifers like pines and cypresses are good natural purifiers, and their dense canopy structure makes them very effective at trapping pollutants. Evergreen species are ideal because they act as year-round filters. However, their sensitivity to salt levels in soils and their year-round canopy, which can block sunlight from melting snow and ice, may cause road traffic problems in colder cities.

Other effective species include silver birch, yew, and elder trees, which have high rates of trapping particles due to the hairs on their leaves. London plane trees, on the other hand, emit high levels of volatile organic compounds, which can negatively impact urban air pollution.

When choosing trees, it's also important to consider factors such as canopy size, leaf size, and leaf structure. Bigger canopies and larger leaves can trap more particles and pollutants. Leaves with rough, rugged, and hairy surfaces act as the "best filters" for particulate matter.

It's also essential to ensure biodiversity by not planting too many of the same species or family in one area. Aim for no more than 5-10% of the same species or family in an urban forest. Additionally, consider the local context and choose species that are well-suited to the specific ecosystem and environmental conditions of the area.

Where to Plant Trees

The location of tree planting is crucial. Trees should be planted close to sources of pollution and where people are, as this will have the most significant impact on air quality. Consider the wind direction and landscape structure, as these factors can affect how pollution moves. In narrow streets surrounded by tall buildings, planting tall trees with big canopies may trap pollution and prevent its dispersion. In such cases, hedges or green walls are generally preferred.

Caring for Trees

Caring for and maintaining trees is essential for their long-term health and effectiveness in reducing air pollution. Ensure that the trees you plant require minimal attention and have a long lifespan. Native trees may be better suited to the local environment and may require less maintenance.

Eat less meat and dairy

The Impact of Livestock Farming on Air Pollution

The livestock sector, including cattle, pigs, and poultry farming, is a major contributor to air pollution. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. This includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), all of which contribute to global warming and air pollution. Cattle farming alone is responsible for 87% of methane and nitrous oxide emissions in livestock farming due to the large number of cattle being farmed.

Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions

While methane and nitrous oxide do not remain in the atmosphere as long as CO2, their climate warming potential is much higher. Methane has 25 times the warming potential of CO2, while nitrous oxide has 300 times the warming potential. These gases are released during the digestive processes of ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and from the storage of manure.

Ammonia Emissions from Cattle and Dairy Farming

In addition to methane and nitrous oxide emissions, cattle and dairy farming release large amounts of ammonia, which pollutes the air and water. This further contributes to the overall pollution caused by the livestock sector.

Reducing Meat and Dairy Consumption to Improve Air Quality

Shifting towards a more plant-based diet is essential to combat air pollution, among other environmental issues. By reducing our consumption of meat and dairy, we can significantly lower the demand for livestock farming, thereby decreasing the emissions of greenhouse gases and ammonia. This will not only improve air quality but also have a positive impact on our health and the planet's health.

Alternative Protein Sources and Sustainable Agriculture

To reduce meat and dairy consumption, individuals can explore alternative protein sources, such as plant-based proteins, and commit to making fresh fruits and vegetables a bigger part of their diet. Buying sustainable or organic produce whenever possible can also support sustainable agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of farming.

Frequently asked questions