Reducing Pollution: Simple Steps For A Cleaner World

Air pollution is a serious global public health problem that is managed most effectively by collective action to control emissions of both primary air pollutants and precursors that react to form secondary air pollutants. Effective policies to reduce emissions at their sources are clearly preferable, but some evidence supports the effectiveness of individual actions to reduce exposure and health risks.

- Conserve energy at home, at work, and everywhere.

- Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.

- Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.

- Be sure your tires are properly inflated.

- Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.

- Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.

- Consider using gas logs instead of wood.

- Avoid excessive idling of your automobile.

- Refuel your car in the evening when it's cooler.

- Conserve electricity and set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees.

- Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.

- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Reduce energy consumption

Energy efficiency is a great way to reduce pollution. Here are some tips to reduce energy consumption and, in turn, lower pollution:

• Turn down the thermostat: Keep your home heated to 68°F during the day and 60°F at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat. In the summer, dress for the weather to save on air conditioning costs and energy.
• Lower your water temperature: Turn your heater down to 120°F. You'll cut your water heating costs by 6-10%.
• Purchase energy-efficient products: Look for the Energy Star label when buying new products and equipment. Energy-efficient light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Insulate your house: Ensure your house is well insulated, and if heated or cooled, never leave windows or doors open. Raise shades on winter days and lower them in the summer. Seal all leaks, and install blinds to reduce outside heat transfer.
• Insulate pipes and fixtures: Insulate your hot water heater and heating and cooling pipes. An insulation blanket for a water heater will pay for itself in a year or less and will reduce heat loss by 25-40%.
• Replace your showerhead: Use a low-flow showerhead to reduce water consumption and the energy used to heat the water.
• Turn off unused appliances: Turn off equipment and lights at night and on the weekend, and unplug appliances when they are not in use.
• Use energy-efficient lighting: Replace your light fixtures with energy-conserving compact fluorescent bulbs, or LED lights. These use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Clean or replace filters regularly: Check furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump filters regularly. This will help your units last longer, avoid costly downtime, and improve indoor air quality.
• Increase natural light: Paint your walls a light colour so more light is reflected, and open blinds to bring in natural light instead of turning on lights.
• Reduce paper usage: Double-side on copiers, reuse single-sided paper, use electronic mail, and circulate documents with routing slips. One ton of waste paper saves enough energy to power an average home for 6 months.
• Use public transportation or carpool: This will save on energy costs and extend the life of your vehicle.

Use public transport

Using public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution. Here are some reasons why:

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and CO2

Surface transportation is responsible for approximately 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. By choosing public transportation over a solo commute by car, an individual can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. This simple switch can lead to a reduction of up to 48,000 pounds of CO2 in a year, which is equivalent to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for a typical two-adult, two-car household.

Conserving Energy

Public transportation is an extremely energy-efficient option. According to the American Public Transportation Association, riding public transportation provides greater energy savings than other common household activities such as using energy-efficient light bulbs or appliances.

Reducing Fuel Dependency

Public transportation use in the US saves the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and over 11 million gallons per day. This also translates to 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day, contributing to reduced fuel dependency.

Reducing Congestion

Public transportation has a proven track record of reducing traffic congestion. In 2011, public transportation in the US saved 865 million hours in travel time. Without it, congestion costs in 498 urban areas would have increased by $21 billion.

Improving Air Quality

The shift from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel for public buses, as seen in Kansas City, has led to significant environmental benefits. This change reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,870 metric tons, equivalent to taking 395 passenger cars off the road for a year.

In summary, opting for public transportation over private vehicles is a powerful way to reduce pollution. It helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, lower fuel dependency, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality. These collective efforts contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Reduce car use

Cars are a major source of air pollution, so reducing car use is an important way to improve air quality. Here are some ways to reduce car use and lower emissions:

• Walk or bike: For short distances, walking or biking is a great way to get around without producing any emissions. It's also a great form of exercise!
• Use public transportation: Taking the bus, train, or subway is a more energy-efficient way to travel than driving alone in a car. It also helps reduce traffic congestion.
• Carpool: If you can't walk, bike, or take public transportation, consider carpooling with friends or colleagues. This reduces the number of cars on the road and can also save money on fuel costs.
• Telecommute: If your job allows it, working from home a few days a week can help reduce your commute time and vehicle emissions.
• Combine errands: Instead of making multiple trips, try to combine errands into one trip to reduce the distance driven.
• Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle: When shopping for a car, look for fuel-efficient models with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles and hybrid models are great options that can help reduce pollution and save money on fuel.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regular maintenance and keeping your vehicle in good repair can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This includes proper tire inflation, regular oil changes, and following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
• Reduce idle time: Idling your car wastes fuel and increases emissions. Turn off your engine if you're going to be idling for more than 10 seconds.

Reduce emissions from vehicles

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, and there are several ways to reduce emissions from them. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to reduce vehicle emissions:

Choose fuel-efficient vehicles:

When purchasing a new car, opt for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles. Not only are these vehicles environmentally friendly, but they can also save you money on fuel costs.

Maintain your vehicle:

Regular maintenance of your vehicle is crucial to keep it running efficiently and cleanly. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, use the recommended motor oil, and ensure your tires are properly inflated. This will not only reduce emissions but also improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and longevity.

Drive efficiently:

Adopting a more efficient driving style can significantly reduce emissions. This includes accelerating gradually, driving at moderate speeds, and avoiding abrupt stops. Additionally, modern vehicles do not require extended idling to warm up, so turn off the engine when idling for extended periods to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Minimize vehicle use:

Plan your trips ahead of time to reduce the number of trips and miles driven. Whenever possible, opt for walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation. Combining multiple errands into one trip can also help reduce vehicle use and emissions.

Use alternative fuels:

Consider using alternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, or compressed natural gas (CNG). These fuels typically produce lower emissions and can be used in flexible-fuel vehicles designed to run on more than one type of fuel.

Optimize deliveries:

When shopping online or scheduling deliveries, request minimal packaging and flexible delivery time windows. This helps delivery companies optimize their routes, reducing unnecessary trips and emissions.

Conserve electricity

Conserving electricity is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to help you conserve electricity and, in turn, reduce pollution:

Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives: Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and have shorter lifespans compared to energy-efficient options. Look for the government-backed Energy Star label when purchasing new light bulbs. Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, for example, use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light. Despite their higher upfront cost, energy-efficient bulbs are more cost-effective in the long run due to their lower energy consumption and longer lifespans.

Use smart power strips: "Phantom energy," also known as the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode, accounts for a significant portion of residential energy use. Smart power strips eliminate this problem by automatically shutting off power to electronics when they are not in use. They can be programmed to turn off appliances at specific times, after a period of inactivity, or based on the status of a "master" device.

Install a programmable or smart thermostat: Smart thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling energy consumption without the need to upgrade your entire HVAC system. These devices can automatically adjust the temperature when you are asleep or away, and different models are available to fit your weekly schedule. According to Energy Star, a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8% on your heating and cooling bills.

Purchase energy-efficient appliances: When buying appliances, consider both the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. While energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront costs, they usually result in lower monthly utility bills due to reduced energy consumption. Look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the appliance will consume less energy than standard models. For example, Energy Star-certified clothes washers use about 20% less energy, while Energy Star refrigerators use 9% less.

Reduce water heating expenses: Water heating contributes significantly to your total energy usage. To reduce these expenses, consider using less hot water, lowering the thermostat on your water heater, or insulating your water heater and the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes. Additionally, consider investing in a tankless water heater or a heat pump water heater, which are more energy-efficient options.

Upgrade your HVAC system: Replacing old heating and cooling equipment with Energy Star-certified alternatives can significantly reduce your annual energy bill. Heat pumps are a good option as they efficiently heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for two separate systems. Upgrading your ventilation system by properly sealing and insulating ducts can also reduce heating and cooling expenses by up to 20%.

Weatherize and insulate your home: Weatherizing your home involves sealing air leaks, especially around vents, windows, and doors. Caulking and weather stripping are simple techniques to prevent air leaks and typically offer a return on investment within a year. Additionally, consider insulating areas like your attic, walls, floors, basement, and crawl space to retain heat during winter and keep it out during summer, leading to lower utility bills.

Get a home energy audit: A professional energy audit can help identify areas where your home is losing energy and provide guidance on energy efficiency upgrades. Auditors will inspect various aspects of your home, including windows, walls, attic insulation, furnace, water heater, ducts, and lighting. They may also perform a blower door test to locate air leaks and assess air quality.

Wash clothes in cold water: Heating water for laundry uses a significant amount of energy. By washing your clothes in cold water, you can reduce energy consumption and even extend the lifespan of your clothing.

Clean or replace air filters: Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters in systems like your HVAC can improve efficiency and reduce strain on the equipment. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific cleaning or replacement intervals.

Use natural light: Maximize the use of natural light by strategically positioning windows. North and south-facing windows allow for more glancing light, reducing harsh light in the winter while still providing heat. East and west-facing windows allow for more direct sunlight but are less effective at heating the home.

Adjust your daily behaviours: Simple actions like turning off lights or appliances when not in use can make a difference. Additionally, consider performing some household tasks manually, such as hang-drying clothes instead of using a dryer, to reduce energy consumption further.

Frequently asked questions