Mitigating Pollution: Strategies For Air, Water, And Land

Air, water, and land pollution are three pressing issues that are threatening the health of our planet and its ecosystems. While the causes and consequences of each vary, there are many ways in which we can work to reduce our impact on the environment and mitigate these issues. From small changes in our daily lives to larger structural and policy changes, there are a multitude of ways we can help to heal our air, water, and land.

Reduce car usage, opt for carpooling, public transport, biking, or walking

Reducing car usage in favor of carpooling, public transportation, biking, or walking is an effective way to reduce air, water, and land pollution.

Carpooling

Carpooling is a simple yet powerful way to reduce pollution. It involves sharing your car with others traveling to the same destination, reducing the number of vehicles on the road. This approach lowers fuel consumption, cuts carbon emissions, and decreases vehicle miles traveled. The environmental benefits of carpooling are significant, including reduced air pollution, a lower carbon footprint, and less traffic congestion. Carpooling can also lead to financial savings, improved productivity, and enhanced morale for commuters.

Public Transport

Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways, plays a crucial role in reducing pollution. Opting for public transport instead of driving alone helps decrease the number of vehicles on the road, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. Additionally, public transport systems often have dedicated lanes or routes, improving travel efficiency and further reducing pollution.

Biking and Walking

Biking and walking are excellent alternatives to driving, offering health benefits while reducing pollution. Active transportation like biking and walking helps decrease emissions from motorized transport, particularly private cars, which are significant contributors to air pollution. These modes of transport promote physical activity, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and lower cancer-related mortality rates. To encourage biking and walking, it is essential to have safe infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, as well as convenient access to public transport for longer trips.

By combining carpooling, public transportation, biking, and walking, individuals can make a significant impact on reducing air, water, and land pollution. These choices contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, improving the environment and the health of communities.

Avoid backyard fires and burning household garbage

Backyard fires and burning household garbage are a common method of waste disposal, especially in rural areas. However, this practice has severe negative consequences for both human health and the environment.

Burning household trash releases harmful chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere, including hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), particle pollution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. These pollutants can cause a range of health issues, from respiratory and cardiac problems to cancer and damage to the immune and hormonal systems. The smoke from these fires can affect not only those who start them but also their families, neighbours, and the wider community. Young children, in particular, are at greater risk due to their size, playing behaviours, and developing bodies.

The pollutants released from burning trash can also contaminate the soil and water sources, as they are deposited on vegetables and absorbed by plants. They can also be ingested by animals, which can then be passed on to humans when consumed.

To reduce the negative impact of backyard fires and burning household garbage, it is essential to find alternative methods of waste disposal. Here are some ways to avoid and reduce the practice:

• Reduce waste: Avoid buying products with excessive packaging and opt for reusable items instead of disposable ones.
• Reuse and recycle: Buy reusable products and recycle items such as plastic, glass, aluminium cans, cardboard, and paper.
• Compost: Start a compost pile for plant-based kitchen and yard waste to turn it into fertiliser or mulch.
• Hire waste disposal services: Contact your local waste management services to collect and properly dispose of your trash.
• Follow local regulations: In many places, open burning of household waste is illegal. Check your local laws and adhere to any burn bans during adverse weather conditions.
• Use alternative methods: Instead of burning leaves and yard waste, chip brush to make mulch or decorative landscape material.
• Minimise fire use: If you must have a fire, keep it small and brief, and ensure it is completely extinguished. Avoid burning during stagnant weather conditions or air quality alerts.

Conserve water by installing water-efficient showerheads and low-flow toilets

Conserving water is an important step towards sustainability and protecting our planet's finite resources. One way to achieve this is by installing water-efficient showerheads and low-flow toilets. These simple measures can significantly reduce water usage and lower utility bills without compromising on the quality of your showering experience.

Water-Efficient Showerheads

Water-efficient showerheads are designed to use less water than traditional models without sacrificing shower performance. By optimising the flow rate—usually 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) or less—these showerheads help conserve water. They often incorporate air into the water stream or employ specialised nozzles that increase water velocity, reducing the amount of water needed.

• Protect the finish of your shower arm by wrapping a rag around it.
• Use an adjustable wrench to gently loosen and unscrew the old showerhead. You might need to apply extra force if it has not been removed for a long time. Remember, righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.
• Clean any residue or buildup off the threads of the shower arm. This step ensures a tight seal.
• Wrap the threads with Teflon tape (plumber's tape) in a clockwise direction, ensuring it is snug but not overly tight. This tape prevents leaks by filling in any gaps in the threads.
• Screw the new water-efficient showerhead onto the shower arm by hand. Once it is hand-tight, wrap a rag around the showerhead to protect its finish and use the wrench to tighten it a bit more. Avoid over-tightening, as this could damage the threads or the showerhead.
• Double-check the Teflon tape application and ensure the showerhead is tight enough. Over-tightening can lead to damaged threads and potential leaks.
• After installation, turn on the water to check for leaks. If you notice a drip, try tightening the showerhead a little more or reapplying Teflon tape.

Low-Flow Toilets

Low-flow toilets use dual flush systems, typically carrying 6 litres of water for solid waste and 4 litres for liquid waste. This is a significant reduction compared to conventional toilets, which use between 19 and 26 litres of water per flush.

• Cut the water supply to your old toilet and allow it to empty completely. Flush it several times to ensure no water remains in the bowl or tank.
• Disconnect the water supply tube from the angle stop to the flush tank by unscrewing it from the toilet tank.
• If you have a two-piece toilet, reach into the tank and undo the bolts attaching it to the toilet with an 8-inch wrench. Use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew the bolt underneath the washer. Lift the tank and set it aside.
• Remove the toilet bowl by unscrewing the nuts and bolts attaching it to the floor. It can be messy, so tilt the bowl forward to reduce unwanted spillage. Place a rag over the exposed pipe to stop sewer gases from entering the bathroom.
• Replace the wax seal on the floor surrounding the pipe. Use a putty knife to pry it open, remove the existing bolts, and replace them with the new ones included with the toilet.
• Attach a new wax seal around the hole in the replacement bowl. Apply plumber's putty to the bowl's bottom to finish attaching the seal.
• Align the new toilet bowl with the pipe, ensuring it is level. Press down on the bowl to compress the seal and make it watertight, then attach it to the floor with bolts. You can sit on the bowl to compress the seal properly. Tighten the bolts as necessary until they can't be tightened further. Do not overtighten, as this can crack the porcelain.
• Install the flush tank by following the reverse disassembly process. Attach the flush handle, valve, and ballcock to the toilet, then affix the tank to the bowl.
• Reconnect the water supply to the new tank and turn it on to test for leaks. If you spot any leaks, tighten the wax seals or bolts accordingly.

By adopting water-efficient showerheads and low-flow toilets, you can make a substantial contribution to water conservation, reduce your environmental footprint, and lower your utility bills.

Avoid using harmful chemicals and clean up spills with absorbent materials

Avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and cleaning up spills with absorbent materials are essential strategies for reducing land, air, and water pollution. Here are some detailed guidelines to help implement these strategies effectively:

Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals

• Opt for environmentally friendly alternatives: When purchasing products, prioritize those that are eco-friendly and non-toxic. Look for labels indicating that a product is safe for the environment.
• Reduce the use of hazardous substances: If you must use harmful chemicals, minimize their usage and handle them with extreme care. Follow safety guidelines and always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Proper storage and disposal: Store hazardous chemicals securely and separately to prevent leaks and spills. Dispose of any leftover chemicals or waste according to local regulations and guidelines.

Clean Up Spills with Absorbent Materials

• Act quickly: Time is of the essence when dealing with spills. The faster you act, the easier it is to contain and clean up the spill.
• Contain the spill: Use absorbent materials such as sand, vermiculite, clay, or commercial absorbent pillows and tubes to surround and absorb the spill. This prevents further spreading and limits the affected area.
• Use appropriate PPE: Ensure you are wearing the necessary protective gear, including gloves, goggles, a face shield, boot covers, and a lab coat. In some cases, a respirator may be required.
• Neutralize the spill: If possible, neutralize acids and bases using substances like soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, or ascorbic acid. Use pH paper to determine when the spill has been neutralized.
• Dispose of waste properly: Place the absorbed spill residue into a plastic bucket or container. Double-bag the waste using plastic bags and follow local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.
• Decontaminate the area: Ventilate the area and use appropriate cleaning products to ensure that any remaining hazardous substances are removed.
• Address specific types of spills: Different types of chemicals require unique response procedures. For example, flammable liquids should be cleaned up using spill pillows or pads, while mercury spills require specialized mercury vacuums or amalgamating agents. Always refer to the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific instructions.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimise waste

Reducing waste is an important aspect of minimising pollution and its impact on the environment. The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – are key components of sustainable living, helping to cut down on the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Reduce

The first step is to reduce the amount of waste generated. This can be achieved by:

• Buying only what you need.
• Choosing products with less packaging.
• Shopping smart for food, buying only what you need, and composting food scraps.
• Using less water.
• Using less energy and choosing energy-efficient appliances and heating systems.
• Using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible.
• Keeping your car well-maintained and fixing any exhaust or oxygen sensor problems promptly.
• Properly inflating your car tires to improve gas mileage.
• Refuelling your car in the evening when it's cooler.
• Avoiding excessive idling of your vehicle.
• Using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products.
• Composting leaves and yard waste.

Reuse

The second 'R' focuses on reusing items multiple times before replacing them. This can include:

• Refilling a water bottle with water from home instead of buying a new one.
• Updating your computer instead of throwing it out and buying a new one.
• Using reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags.
• Donating unwanted appliances, tools, clothes, books, electronics, and furniture to local charities, community centres, thrift stores, or schools.
• Donating unused food to food banks or shelters.

Recycle

The third 'R' involves separating items that can be recycled and putting them to a new use. Materials that can be recycled include:

• Paper and cardboard.
• Glass.
• Metal.
• Plastic.
• Electronics.
• Textiles.
• Food waste.

Recycling used products helps reduce waste sent to landfills and incinerators, and also allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

Frequently asked questions