How People Are Fighting Air Pollution

Air pollution is a serious problem, but it's one that can be solved. People all over the world are taking action to reduce emissions and improve air quality. One of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution is to phase out the use of coal and other fossil fuels, such as tar and lignite, for power generation. Other significant interventions include replacing diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, eliminating uncontrolled diesel emissions, and preventing crop burning. Individuals can also play a role in reducing air pollution by driving less, using public transportation or carpooling, and conserving energy.

Drive less, carpool, use public transport, bike or walk

Driving less is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution. This can be achieved by carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking. Here are some reasons why these actions are essential and some tips on how to implement them:

Carpooling

Carpooling is an excellent way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which directly decreases vehicle emissions. If you usually drive alone, consider offering rides to colleagues or neighbours heading in the same direction. You can also join existing carpools or use ride-sharing apps to find people in your area going the same way. Carpooling saves money on fuel and reduces wear and tear on your vehicle. It also helps reduce traffic congestion, making the commute more efficient and pleasant for everyone.

Using Public Transportation

Public transportation systems like buses, trains, subways, and trams are designed to transport many people at once, reducing the overall number of cars on the road. Using public transportation is a great way to cut down on vehicle emissions and save money on fuel and parking fees. If you're concerned about potential crowding, try to travel during off-peak hours when possible. Many cities are investing in improving their public transportation systems, making them more reliable, affordable, and accessible.

Biking and Walking

Biking and walking are zero-emission ways of getting around, and they offer health benefits like improving cardiovascular health and strengthening bones and muscles. If your commute is too long to bike or walk, consider combining these activities with public transportation or carpooling. For example, you could bike to the train station or bus stop and then finish your commute via public transport. Many cities are developing infrastructure that supports these modes of transportation, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Reducing Vehicle Emissions

If you must drive, there are still ways to minimise your impact on air pollution. Keeping your car well-maintained is crucial—ensure your vehicle's emissions control systems are in good condition and fix any exhaust and oxygen sensor problems as soon as possible. Regularly check your tire pressure and keep them properly inflated, as under-inflated tires lower gas mileage. When buying a new vehicle, consider fuel efficiency and opt for electric or hybrid vehicles if possible.

Keep your car well-maintained

Keeping your car well-maintained is a great way to reduce air pollution. A poorly maintained engine creates more air pollution and uses more fuel. There are several things you can do to ensure your car is well-maintained. Firstly, keep your engine properly tuned and follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. This includes getting regular tune-ups and oil changes, and using the recommended motor oil. Check your owner's manual for guidance on how often this should be done.

Secondly, keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires have been shown to lower gas mileage, particularly at lower speeds. You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner's manual.

Thirdly, fix any problems with your car as soon as possible. For example, if your check engine light comes on, this may indicate a problem with your vehicle's emissions control system, resulting in higher emissions and lower performance. Get your car checked by a qualified automotive technician and make any necessary repairs.

Finally, regular maintenance such as replacing oil and air filters, and checking your tire pressure, will help to ensure your car is running as efficiently as possible and reduce air pollution.

Turn off your engine when idle

Turning off your engine when idle is an important way to reduce air pollution. Idling vehicles create a hotspot of air pollution, releasing harmful chemicals, gases, and particle pollution ("soot") into the atmosphere, contributing to ozone depletion, regional haze, and global climate change.

Firstly, it is important to understand when idling is unnecessary. Idling is not required when warming up your car, and in fact, today's electronic engines do not need to warm up, even in winter. The best way to warm up your engine and the cabin interior is to start driving; the engine warms up twice as fast when driven, and the heating system delivers warmer air faster. So, instead of idling, ease into your drive and avoid excessive revving.

Secondly, there are many situations where turning off your engine when idle is possible and beneficial. For example, when waiting in drive-through lanes, or during school or daycare drop-offs and pick-ups, turn off your ignition if you're waiting for more than 10 seconds. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idle, and idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

Additionally, idling is unhealthy for those inside the car. The dirty exhaust that leaks into the car cabin can aggravate asthma and allergies, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. If you are parked and waiting, it is healthier to exit the vehicle and go inside a building.

Finally, turning off your engine when idle will also save you money. Idling wastes fuel and can cost up to $70-650 a year, depending on fuel prices, idling habits, and vehicle type. By turning off your engine, you will reduce fuel consumption and keep more money in your wallet.

Don't burn your garbage

Burning your garbage is a dangerous practice that can have severe consequences for both your health and the environment. It is also generally illegal, so it is important to understand the risks and make informed decisions about how to dispose of your waste.

Firstly, burning garbage releases toxic chemicals into the air, which can be inhaled by humans and animals. These chemicals include nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, chromium, dioxins, furans, and PCBs. The smoke from these fires can cause eye and nose irritation, coughing, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and wheezing. It can also trigger asthma attacks and cause more severe respiratory issues for people with heart and lung conditions. The risks are particularly high for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Secondly, the ash produced by burning garbage can pollute soil, groundwater, and surface water, including lakes, rivers, and streams. This can contaminate drinking water supplies and enter the human food chain through crops and livestock. Certain chemicals released by burning, such as dioxins, tend to adhere to the waxy surface of leaves and can be ingested by animals. These chemicals can then accumulate in the fats of animals and eventually end up in humans through the consumption of meat, fish, and dairy products.

Thirdly, burning garbage can increase the risk of wildfires, which pose a serious threat to public safety, property, and natural resources. Even a small, controlled fire can quickly get out of hand and cause devastating damage.

Finally, burning garbage is an inefficient method of waste disposal. It produces large amounts of smoke, which can be bothersome to people in the surrounding area due to the unpleasant odors and smoke residue that can enter houses, cars, and laundry.

To avoid burning your garbage, consider the following alternatives:

• Reduce waste by avoiding unnecessary purchases and selecting products with minimal packaging.
• Reuse and refill containers whenever possible.
• Recycle and compost as much as you can, and dispose of the remaining waste through proper waste management services.

By following these steps, you can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and protecting the health of your community and the environment.

Plant and care for trees

Trees are a great natural way to reduce air pollution. They can improve air quality by reducing air temperature, reducing energy consumption in buildings, and directly removing pollutants from the air. Trees can intercept particulate matter on their surfaces and absorb gaseous pollutants through their leaves. They also release oxygen into the atmosphere and help cool our homes.

If you want to plant and care for trees to reduce air pollution, here are some detailed instructions to follow:

Choosing the Right Tree:

• Consider the tree's purpose: Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade, energy reduction, as a windbreak, or as a street tree?
• Think about the planting site limitations: What is your hardiness zone, the maximum height and spread for the tree, and what are the sun exposure and soil conditions?
• Select a tree that will thrive in your chosen location and ensure it has enough space to grow to its full size.

Planting the Tree:

• Water the tree thoroughly right after planting to help settle the soil and give the roots moisture.
• Mulch the tree as soon as possible to insulate the roots and keep them moist. Use natural mulch such as wood chips or bark pieces, ensuring it doesn't touch the trunk.

Caring for the Tree:

• Keep the soil moist for the first two years, then cut back on watering once the roots are established.
• Prune dead branches throughout the year, but avoid excessive pruning in the first three years to allow the tree to develop strong roots.
• After the tree is older than three years, start pruning annually to encourage growth and maintain its shape.
• Remove any sprouts or suckers growing from the base of the tree, as these steal water and nutrients.
• Prune branches that are growing towards the trunk to prevent them from crossing and ruining the shape.
• Regularly check your tree for signs of pests or diseases and seek advice if needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively plant and care for trees to reduce air pollution and improve the environment around you.

Frequently asked questions