Meghan Hodges
Pollution is one of the greatest threats to human health and the environment. Air pollution alone causes about 7 million deaths annually, with 99% of the world's population breathing air that exceeds safe limits. Fortunately, there are ways to clean up pollution and mitigate its impacts. From individual actions to global initiatives, we can all play a part in reducing pollution and its harmful effects. This includes simple acts like switching to electric lawn equipment, fixing car exhaust issues, properly disposing of hazardous waste, and reducing single-use plastic consumption. On a larger scale, cities are implementing clean air zones, promoting active mobility, and expanding green spaces to combat air pollution. Global organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are also making strides in removing plastic waste from oceans and rivers. While the problem of pollution is vast, there is hope in the collective efforts to address it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals | Clearer benefits |
| Using existing technology | No or little cost |
| Global adoption of clean and low-emission household energy solutions | Reduce air pollution, mitigate climate change, slow habitat and biodiversity loss |
| Education, guidance, and incentives | Reduce air pollution |
| Energy-efficient appliances and heating systems | Reduce air pollution |
| Clean Air Act | Cut pollution, protect public health, and build the economy |
| Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) | Reduce toxic nitrogen dioxide pollution |
| Clean Air Accelerator | Tackle greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and inequities in cities |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce energy use and drive less
Reducing energy use and driving less are two effective ways to reduce pollution.
Drive Less
Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Light-duty vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and pickups, produced about one-fifth of the country's total emissions in 2017. Therefore, driving less can significantly reduce pollution.
Consider carpooling, biking, taking the bus, or telecommuting. If you must drive, try to cut down your mileage by 10%. This would have a substantial impact if everyone did it. Keep your car well-maintained and fix any exhaust or oxygen sensor problems to ensure it is running efficiently and not emitting excess pollutants.
Reduce Energy Use
Using less energy at home is another way to reduce pollution. Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, and opt for more energy-efficient appliances, such as those with the EPA's Energy Star label. These appliances can help you use less energy while performing the same tasks, reducing your environmental impact.
You can also switch to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, which emit little to no air pollution. As the price of renewable energy continues to fall, more people are adopting these sources, which can also provide greater control over your energy use and save you money.
Additionally, you can make efforts to reduce pollution from landscaping. Gas-powered lawn equipment emits a significant amount of pollution. Consider switching to electric or hand-powered lawn care equipment, and opt for a manual (reel) mower for small lawns.
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Avoid using pesticides and herbicides
Pesticides and herbicides are materials used to control pests such as insects, rodents, weeds, molds, and germs. They are often considered a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution for pest control, especially in urban landscapes and agricultural settings. However, the use of pesticides and herbicides contributes significantly to pollution and has detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
Pesticides and herbicides can contaminate the soil, air, surface water, and groundwater. They pose risks to beneficial soil microorganisms, insects, plants, fish, birds, and other non-target organisms. For example, herbicides like glyphosate and 2,4-D have been found to cause sublethal effects in fish, such as erratic swimming and labored breathing, increasing their chances of being preyed upon. Additionally, pesticides have been detected in urban streams, with concentrations often exceeding the guidelines for protecting aquatic life.
To reduce pollution and minimize the negative impacts of pesticides and herbicides, it is essential to avoid their use whenever possible. Here are some ways to avoid using pesticides and herbicides:
- Opt for Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM is an effective approach that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and resistant varieties. By implementing IPM, you can manage pests with minimal or no use of pesticides.
- Encourage Natural Predators: Instead of relying on pesticides, promote the presence of natural predators that feed on pests. For example, encourage birds, ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders in your garden or agricultural setting, as they prey on insects.
- Practice Companion Planting: Companion planting involves planting certain crops together, as some plants can repel pests naturally. For example, marigolds help repel nematodes, and basil repels flies and mosquitoes.
- Use Mechanical and Physical Controls: Utilize mechanical methods such as trapping, picking, or vacuuming pests. Physical controls include the use of barriers, such as row covers or netting, to prevent pests from accessing the plants.
- Choose Organic Alternatives: Opt for organic, non-toxic alternatives to pesticides and herbicides. For example, neem oil is an effective insect repellent, and vinegar can be used as a natural weed killer.
- Maintain a Healthy Ecosystem: A diverse and balanced ecosystem can naturally regulate pest populations. Encourage biodiversity by planting a variety of plants, flowers, and trees that attract beneficial insects and wildlife.
By following these strategies, you can significantly reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides, thereby minimizing their impact on the environment and contributing to pollution reduction efforts.
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Stop agricultural runoff and chemical waste
Stop agricultural runoff
Agricultural operations can have a significant effect on water quality due to soil-disturbing activities and the use of sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and herbicides. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agricultural runoff is the leading cause of water quality impairments in rivers and streams, the third-largest source of impairments in lakes, and the second-largest source of impairments in wetlands.
To prevent agricultural runoff, farmers can adopt a multifaceted approach:
- Proper nutrient management is crucial to reducing the amount of excess fertilizers that end up in waterways. This can be achieved through soil testing to determine the precise nutrient needs of crops, precision fertilizer application techniques, and the use of slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers.
- Conservation tillage methods, such as no-till or strip-till, leave crop residues on the soil surface, reducing erosion and improving water infiltration.
- Planting cover crops during the off-season helps prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
- Establishing vegetative buffer strips along waterways act as a natural filter, trapping sediments, nutrients, and pesticides before they reach the water.
- Constructed wetlands are engineered systems that mimic the natural water treatment capabilities of wetlands, effectively removing nutrients, sediments, and pesticides from agricultural runoff.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines various pest control methods to minimize the use of pesticides.
Stop chemical waste
Chemical waste is any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler parts without changing it into something else through a reaction. It can be a gas, liquid, or solid, and it may consist of an element, molecule, or compound. Chemical waste can be generated in laboratories, but it is also often produced outside of these settings, such as contaminated soils, building materials, lubricants, and paints.
Improperly managed chemical waste may pollute and contaminate water streams, with serious negative impacts on aquatic and human life. To prevent this, it is crucial to follow strict regulations governing chemical waste management and disposal:
- Chemical waste must be identified and dealt with promptly and appropriately.
- Dilution of a waste stream is not an acceptable method, as it can contribute to the generation of harmful ground-level ozone.
- Liquid chemical wastes must be captured and disposed of properly, rather than through evaporation.
- It is the responsibility of each user of chemicals to understand and follow the rules and ensure proper management and disposal.
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Improve indoor air quality with purifiers
Poor indoor air quality can have adverse health effects, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, asthma attacks, and even respiratory and heart disease. As most people spend about 90% of their time indoors, it is important to take steps to improve indoor air quality. Here are some ways to do so using air purifiers:
Choose the Right Air Purifier
Look for air purifiers with activated charcoal or carbon filters, as these are more effective at reducing toxins in the air. The CDC suggests using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is effective at capturing viral particles and other pollutants.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Upgrading your home's HVAC system can significantly improve indoor air quality. Heat pumps, for example, are more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems and can enhance air quality.
Regular Maintenance and Servicing
Ensure your appliances, including air purifiers, are serviced and maintained regularly. For example, air filters should be changed frequently, ideally every 30 days or every six months for larger capacity filters. Keep replacement filters on hand to ensure timely changes.
Monitor Air Quality
Use low-cost sensors to monitor indoor air quality and alert you to unexpected pollution spikes. This helps you identify when and where to run your air purifier. However, keep in mind that these sensors may need to be recalibrated over time due to environmental factors.
Ventilation
While air purifiers are effective, it is still important to ventilate your home with clean outdoor air. Open windows to increase ventilation, especially when engaging in activities that produce pollutants, such as cooking or cleaning.
By following these steps and utilizing air purifiers, you can effectively improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment.
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Dispose of hazardous waste properly including road salt
Hazardous waste is defined as everyday products that can pose a threat to human health and the environment if thrown away with regular trash. These products often contain hazardous materials like flammable liquids, corrosive substances, or toxic chemicals. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use and disposal of hazardous materials and has developed a comprehensive regulatory program to ensure that hazardous waste is managed safely from "cradle to grave".
When it comes to disposing of hazardous waste properly, there are several methods and guidelines to follow. Some common methods include drop-off days during the week, collection events, and Wastemobile pick-ups. Municipal landfills may operate Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection sites that accept various items such as fluorescent light bulbs, oil-based paints, and electronic waste. When dropping off HHW, it is important to follow specific guidelines such as keeping products in their original containers, securing products to avoid tipping or leaking, and not mixing or blending products.
Road salt, specifically, should not be disposed of in the toilet, but rather through proper HHW collection sites. Additionally, some gas stations accept multiple types of automotive waste, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, gasoline, and diesel fuel. It is important to note that waste fuels like gasoline and diesel are considered universal wastes and require proper disposal by hazardous waste specialists.
Furthermore, the EPA has developed regulations to encourage hazardous waste recycling while protecting health and the environment. Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) play a crucial role in the temporary storage and final treatment or disposal of hazardous wastes. These facilities are stringently regulated to manage large volumes of waste and mitigate potential risks.
Improper storage and disposal of hazardous waste can lead to spills, leaks, fires, and contamination of soil and drinking water. Therefore, it is essential to follow local and state regulations when disposing of hazardous waste, including road salt and other automotive fluids.
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Frequently asked questions
You can reduce your personal contribution to air pollution by making changes in two areas: energy use and transportation. Drive less, and walk or cycle instead. You can also improve the air quality in your home by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, sealing your home's foundation to prevent radon gas from leaking into your living space, and buying houseplants that are known to reduce indoor air pollutants, such as dracaena.
You can help to clean up rivers by properly disposing of hazardous household items, such as oils, anti-freeze, paint, solvents, cleaners, preservatives, and prescription drugs. You should also reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, as these can cause toxic runoff that ends up in rivers.
Governments should implement and enforce stringent laws to prevent industries from releasing untreated effluent into rivers. They should also work with farmers and homeowners to reduce polluted runoff by implementing clean water practices and improving clean water regulations and legislation.
You can join organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), which offers workshops and restoration events where you can learn about building rain barrels, planting stream buffers, and participating in other clean-water projects in your community. You can also support local efforts to raise awareness about pollution, such as storm drain stenciling projects that remind community members that only rainwater should enter storm drains.
Yes, you can reduce pollution by making small changes in your daily life, such as reducing your use of road salt, which can be toxic to freshwater organisms, and cutting back on the use of dangerous chemicals in your home and yard.
