Simple Actions To Reduce Air Pollution On Your Own

Air pollution is one of the greatest threats to human health, with an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths a year, according to the World Health Organization. While public policy has a central role in reducing air pollution, there are also several ways individuals can contribute to reducing air pollution.

- Using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible.

- Conserving energy at home and work, and using energy-efficient appliances.

- Keeping vehicles properly tuned and tires properly inflated.

- Refueling cars during cooler periods of the day and avoiding excessive idling.

- Using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.

- Reducing waste and increasing recycling and reusing.

- Using fans instead of air conditioners.

- Avoiding open fires, including crop burning, smoking, and burning leaves and trash.

- Implementing afforestation and planting trees.

Reduce car use: carpool, use public transport, walk or cycle

Reducing car use is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution and its associated health risks. Here are some strategies to reduce your car use and lower your impact on the environment:

Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to reduce the number of cars on the road and, in turn, decrease air pollution. If you usually drive alone, consider offering a ride to a friend or colleague who lives nearby and is heading in the same direction. You can take turns driving with them or contribute to their fuel costs. Carpooling not only reduces air pollution but also saves you money on fuel and reduces wear and tear on your vehicle.

Using Public Transport

Public transportation, such as buses, trains, subways, and light rail, can significantly reduce air pollution compared to everyone driving their own cars. These modes of transport are especially beneficial when they use clean energy sources, like electricity, or when multiple people can be transported at once, reducing the overall number of vehicles on the road. Using public transport can also be more cost-effective and less stressful than driving, giving you time to relax, work, or socialise during your commute.

Walking

Walking is a zero-emission and cost-free mode of transportation that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. For shorter distances, consider walking instead of driving. Not only does walking reduce air pollution and improve air quality, but it also provides health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and increased physical activity. Walking is a simple and enjoyable way to contribute to a cleaner environment and a healthier you.

Cycling

Cycling is another emission-free mode of transportation that offers numerous benefits. It improves your health and fitness, saves you money, and helps reduce air pollution. Cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and paths, is increasingly available in many cities, making it safer and more convenient to commute by bike. If you live too far from your destination to cycle, consider combining cycling with public transport by bringing your bike on the bus or train.

By implementing these strategies to reduce car use, you can play a significant role in lowering air pollution and creating a healthier environment for yourself and your community.

Avoid open fires

Open fires, such as backyard fires, wildfires, and forest fires, are a significant source of air pollution. They release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and air toxics. These pollutants can have severe respiratory and cardiovascular health effects, especially on vulnerable groups such as those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, young children, and older adults.

To reduce air pollution from open fires, here are some detailed, direct, instructive, and focused actions:

• Avoid burning garbage and waste – The burning of household garbage and waste is not only dangerous to your health but also illegal in many places. Contact your local authorities to arrange for trash disposal services instead.
• Limit and avoid backyard fires, especially in urban areas – Smoke from backyard fires can negatively impact the health of hundreds of people, particularly those with asthma and other lung conditions. If you must have a campfire, keep it small and brief, using only dry firewood as fuel. Avoid burning any waste, and never light a fire during air quality alerts.
• Be cautious during wildfire events – Wildfires can rapidly deteriorate air quality over vast areas. Stay informed about active fires and smoke conditions through official channels, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow website or similar services in your country. If you live in an area with a high risk of wildfires, consider purchasing portable air cleaners or high-efficiency HVAC filters to reduce indoor air pollution.
• Evacuate when necessary – In some severe cases, evacuating the area may be the best course of action for your health and safety. Pay close attention to local emergency alerts and be prepared to leave immediately if advised to do so.
• Support crop fire prevention initiatives – Crop burning is a significant source of air pollution. Support and advocate for initiatives that provide education, technology, and subsidies to farmers to prevent crop burning.
• Promote the use of cleaner energy sources – Transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives, such as renewable energy sources, can significantly reduce air pollution and its associated health risks.

Remember, reducing air pollution from open fires is a collective effort. Individual actions, combined with community initiatives and policy changes, can make a significant difference in improving air quality and protecting public health.

Use energy-efficient appliances

Using energy-efficient appliances is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution and tackle climate change. Energy efficiency harnesses technology to help avoid or reduce energy waste, allowing you to perform tasks like turning on the lights, driving, or washing your clothes while using less energy.

One of the simplest ways to identify energy-efficient appliances is to look for the Energy Star label. The Energy Star label is a government-backed label that can be found on over 75 types of products, including major appliances, lighting, and home electronics. Replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models can save the average household a significant amount of money on utility bills each year.

For example, a newer fridge with the Energy Star label uses 35% less electricity than a fridge reaching the end of its lifespan. Similarly, Energy Star washing machines use one-fourth less energy and one-third less water than standard models, cutting utility costs even further.

In addition to saving money, using energy-efficient appliances can also help to reduce air pollution and its associated negative impacts on health. Energy efficiency can help to reduce air and water pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants and avoid negative impacts on critical ecosystems. It can also lead to improved indoor air quality, contributing to healthier living.

By investing in energy-efficient appliances, you can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change, while also enjoying the benefits of lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.

Recycle and reuse products

Recycling and reusing products is an effective way to reduce air pollution. The production of new items requires a lot of raw materials, energy, and fabrication, all of which contribute to air pollution. By choosing to recycle and reuse, you can help reduce the demand for new products, lower greenhouse gas emissions, prevent pollution caused by harvesting raw materials, and reduce waste.

• Reduce waste: The most effective way to reduce air pollution is to not create waste in the first place. Try to minimise the amount of waste you generate by being mindful of your consumption habits. For example, reduce food waste by shopping smart, buying only what you need, composting food scraps, and donating unused food to food banks or shelters.
• Reuse and repurpose items: Instead of discarding old items, try to reuse or repurpose them. For example, you can reuse old clothing, cloth grocery bags, and containers. You can also repair and maintain products to extend their lifespan and reduce the need for replacements.
• Buy used items: Opt for buying second-hand items whenever possible. This reduces the demand for new products and helps prevent waste. You can find a variety of used items, from clothes to building materials, at specialised reuse centres and consignment shops.
• Buy products with recycled content: When purchasing new items, look for products or packaging made from recycled materials. This helps reduce the demand for new raw materials and encourages the recycling industry.
• Donate unwanted items: Instead of throwing away unwanted items, consider donating them to local charities, community centres, thrift stores, or schools. By doing so, you can prevent usable goods from ending up in landfills and help those in need.
• Borrow, rent, or share items: For items that are used infrequently, such as party decorations, tools, or furniture, consider borrowing, renting, or sharing them with others. This reduces the need for everyone to own their own set of these items, thereby reducing waste and resource consumption.

Avoid using plastic

Plastic is a major contributor to air pollution. It is made from fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, which release toxic emissions when extracted from the earth. The burning of plastic waste is a significant source of air pollution, with almost 40% of plastic waste burned globally, releasing toxins into the air. These toxins include dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, which pose a threat to human health.

Avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are items that are typically used just once before being thrown away or recycled. Examples include plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and food packaging. By refusing to use single-use plastics, you can significantly reduce your plastic consumption. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, metal straws, reusable water bottles, and containers.

Support plastic bag bans

Plastic bag bans have been implemented in several countries and cities, including Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, and Rwanda. These bans aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or is burned, contributing to air pollution. Support these initiatives by using alternative bags, such as cloth or paper bags, when shopping.

Choose products with minimal plastic packaging

Many products come packaged in plastic, from food items to electronics. Whenever possible, choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Look for items packaged in paper, cardboard, glass, or metal, which are more recyclable and environmentally friendly. You can also buy products in bulk to reduce the overall amount of packaging.

Refuse plastic utensils and straws

When dining out or ordering takeout, refuse plastic utensils and straws. Instead, opt for reusable metal utensils and straws, or bring your own. Many restaurants and cafes are now offering these alternatives to reduce plastic waste. You can also carry a portable cutlery set made of bamboo or metal when on the go.

Avoid products containing microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are often added to personal care products, such as face washes, toothpastes, and cosmetics. These particles can end up in the air and contribute to air pollution. Choose natural and organic products that do not contain microplastics. Look for labels that say "microbead-free" or "plastic-free."

Remember, reducing plastic consumption is a crucial step towards improving air quality and protecting the environment. By making conscious choices and supporting initiatives that ban or reduce plastic use, you can play a significant role in creating a cleaner and healthier world.

Frequently asked questions