Slowing Air Pollution: Strategies For A Greener Tomorrow

Air pollution is a serious global health problem, with particulate matter and gases released into the air causing harm to both the environment and human health. While effective policies to reduce emissions are the best way to tackle this issue, there are also many individual actions that can be taken to reduce exposure to air pollution and improve air quality. From reducing car usage and adopting more sustainable travel options, to making energy-efficient choices at home, there are many ways to play a part in slowing down air pollution and its impact on the planet.

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

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In California, for instance, about half of the air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Therefore, reducing car usage is crucial to slowing down air pollution.

One way to reduce car usage is to opt for walking. Walking for 30 minutes or more on most days can reduce the mortality risk by at least 10%. Walking also helps to reduce physical inactivity, which causes one million deaths per year in the European Region. Moreover, walking does not produce any air pollutants, unlike motorized transport. To promote walking, infrastructure for safe walking, such as green spaces, parks, and trails, should be developed.

Another way to reduce car usage is to cycle. Cycling for 20 minutes on most days can also reduce the mortality risk by at least 10%. Like walking, cycling helps to reduce physical inactivity and does not produce air pollutants. To promote cycling, infrastructure for safe cycling, such as secure parking for bikes at destinations and in the proximity of public transport, should be provided.

Using public transport is another alternative to reduce car usage. However, public transport systems should be efficient and competitive with car transport systems for them to be effective in reducing car usage. For example, investing in increasing the frequency of public transport services and improving their quality may be more effective in reducing car usage than making public transport free of charge. Moreover, implementing measures that increase the cost of using a car, such as congestion charges and fuel taxes, may further incentivize the use of public transport over private cars.

Finally, carpooling or ridesharing can also help reduce car usage. For example, if the average commuting vehicle in the US carried one additional person, it could save 33 million gallons of gas each day.

Use energy-efficient appliances, heating systems, and lighting

Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution. Using energy-efficient appliances, heating systems, and lighting reduces the demand for electricity generation and, therefore, reduces air pollution.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Energy Star label has been the gold standard for identifying more energy-efficient appliances since its founding in 1992. The EPA estimates that the program has reduced carbon pollution by 4 billion metric tons while saving $500 billion on household energy bills. Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters, for example, use 70% less energy than standard electric water heaters, and the energy savings can amount to $3,500 over the lifetime of the equipment. Other examples of energy-efficient appliances include refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, which use a quarter less energy and a third less water than standard models.

Energy-efficient lighting is another way to reduce air pollution. Compact fluorescent light bulbs can replace energy-hungry incandescent lights. Turning off the lights when you leave a room is another way to conserve energy.

In addition to appliances and lighting, you can also improve the energy efficiency of your home. Windows are made with materials that reduce heat exchange and air leaks, which means you need less energy to heat or cool a space. Adding more insulation to an attic helps keep warm air inside during the winter and keeps hot air out during the summer.

Energy efficiency has also played a significant role in China's improvements in energy intensity, leading to an 11% savings in total primary energy supply between 2000 and 2014 and an avoided 1.2 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions in 2014.

Avoid burning trash, leaves, and other materials

Burning trash, leaves, and other materials releases particle pollution, which includes small bits of ash that can lodge deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems, cardiac arrhythmia, and heart attacks. Particle pollution can also impact vulnerable individuals such as the young, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions like emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma. The smoke from burning trash can also release harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, dioxins, and furans, which can contaminate the air, soil, and water sources. These toxic compounds can eventually enter the human food chain through crops, livestock, and drinking water supplies, leading to potential health risks for those who consume them.

To reduce air pollution, it is essential to avoid burning trash, leaves, and other materials. Instead, focus on recycling and composting as much as possible. Many items, such as plastic, glass, aluminum cans, cardboard, and paper, can be recycled through curb-side recycling or drop-off centers. Check with your local solid waste department to determine the available options in your area. Composting provides an excellent alternative to burning food scraps, leaves, and yard waste, allowing you to convert them into nutrient-rich mulch for your garden.

Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the materials you burn and always comply with state regulations. Burning prohibited items, such as garbage, plastic, and painted or treated wood, releases toxic chemicals that can have detrimental effects on the environment and public health. These chemicals, including arsenic and cadmium, can cause serious health issues such as gastrointestinal problems, anemia, kidney and liver disease, and even cancer. Therefore, it is essential to dispose of waste properly and avoid open burning whenever possible.

If you must burn waste, ensure that you only burn approved materials and follow safety precautions. Avoid burning near waterways or shorelines to prevent soil erosion and vegetation damage. Always make sure a fire is completely out and never leave it unattended. It is also important to avoid burning on windy days to prevent the spread of embers and the potential ignition of wildfires. By following these guidelines, you can help minimize the negative impact of burning waste on air pollution and the environment.

Reduce industrial smokestack emissions and incineration

Industrial smokestacks and incinerators are a major source of air pollution, emitting large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. To slow down air pollution from these sources, several measures can be implemented:

Scrubbing Carbon Dioxide from Smokestack Emissions

One technique to reduce emissions is through "scrubbing" carbon dioxide from smokestack gases. This process involves removing carbon dioxide from the gases emitted from smokestacks, resulting in cleaner industrial emissions. Researchers from Oregon State University and other institutions have made significant advancements in this area, leveraging data mining techniques and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to address the complexities posed by the water portion of smokestack gases.

Transition to Cleaner Energy Sources

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities. To mitigate this, industries can transition to cleaner energy sources that do not rely on the combustion of fossil fuels. This may include adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, which have a significantly lower environmental impact.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Industrial facilities can also focus on improving their energy efficiency to reduce their overall carbon footprint. This can be achieved through various measures, such as implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimizing production processes, and minimizing energy losses. By reducing the amount of energy consumed, industries can directly lower their carbon dioxide emissions.

Adopt Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies offer a way to capture carbon dioxide emissions at their source, such as from power plants or industrial processes, and then transport and store it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. This prevents the carbon dioxide from contributing to global warming and climate change.

Promote Sustainable Waste Management Practices

Incineration practices can be improved by promoting sustainable waste management. This includes encouraging recycling and composting, as well as exploring waste-to-energy technologies, to reduce the amount of waste burned and the resulting emissions. Additionally, industries can invest in advanced incineration technologies that minimize the release of harmful pollutants, ensuring a cleaner incineration process.

Support policies for cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, and waste management

To slow down air pollution, supporting policies for cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, and waste management is crucial. Here are some measures that can be implemented:

Cleaner Transport

• Governments can encourage the use of zero-emission electric vehicles by offering incentives such as subsidies or tax breaks to those who purchase them. This can reduce the pollution caused by cars, trucks, and buses, which is a significant contributor to air pollution and poses risks to human health.
• Investments should be made in expanding access to active travel options like walking and biking. This includes developing infrastructure such as pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as implementing policies that prioritize these modes of transportation.
• Public transportation systems can be improved and made more accessible and affordable, encouraging people to use them instead of private vehicles. This can involve investing in electric buses and trains, as well as improving the frequency and coverage of these services.

Energy-Efficient Housing

• Governments can offer tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives to developers who construct energy-efficient housing, such as the 45L tax credits in the US for multifamily construction.
• Updated energy standards and regulations can be implemented to ensure that new constructions meet certain energy efficiency thresholds, such as the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction certification.
• Incentive programs for energy-efficient construction can be offered by utility companies, particularly in areas with higher energy utility costs, to encourage builders to adopt more efficient practices and technologies.
• The adoption of all-electric construction can be promoted, as it is often more financially attractive and reduces the need for dual utility connections and energy systems.

Waste Management

• Electronic waste management policies should be implemented and enforced, especially in low and middle-income countries, to address the increasing generation of e-waste. This includes setting targets for the proper disposal and recycling of electronic items, with responsibility falling on importers, producers, or agents.
• Incentives and regulations can be put in place to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting, reducing the use of energy-hungry incandescent lights, and other products that emit smog-forming chemicals.
• Recycling programs can be established and promoted at the community level, with a focus on properly disposing of and recycling paper, plastic, metals, and organic materials, as well as electronic waste.

Frequently asked questions