Consumer Choices To Reduce Pollution

Consumers can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and slowing climate change by making more environmentally conscious purchases. While individual consumer choices may not be solely responsible for climate change, they can still contribute to the problem. Consumers are responsible for 60-70% of all direct and indirect emissions, and motor vehicle emissions remain the most significant source of common air pollutants. Therefore, consumer choices that can help reduce pollution include opting for fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. In addition, consumers can choose to buy energy-efficient appliances, use environmentally friendly cleaning products, and reduce food waste by shopping wisely and donating unwanted food.

Consumer Choices to Reduce Pollution

Reduce meat consumption

Reducing meat consumption is one of the most impactful choices an individual can make to reduce their negative impact on the environment and slow down climate change.

The meat industry is responsible for a large amount of water and air pollution. For example, producing one kilogram of shrimp requires 3,515 litres of water. Additionally, meat production plays a large role in polluting water systems, with manure, chemicals applied to crops used to feed animals, and the antibiotics and hormones administered to them being significant contributors.

The production of meat also requires a massive amount of land. Not only do the animals being raised for food need space to live, but crops also need to be planted and grown to feed them. This has led to the destruction of some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, including the Amazon rainforest, and threatened many species with extinction.

Reducing meat consumption can lower greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity, save water, improve soil health, and reduce the risk of future pandemics.

• Start by making meals that are meatless. You could choose to eat a fully meat-free meal every day for lunch or remove meat completely for one or two days a week.
• Reduce the amount of meat at every meal. Instead of eating a double burger, switch to a single patty with the goal of eventually switching to a plant-based option.
• Buy a vegetarian or plant-based cookbook to explore new recipes and substitute meat with plant-based alternatives.
• Make a plan and be intentional about reducing your meat consumption. Having a collection of simple recipes and meals that you enjoy will make it easier to stick to your plan, especially when you are hungry.
• Educate yourself about meat production and the negative impacts of the industry on the environment, your health, and animal welfare.

Remember, reducing meat consumption is not an all-or-nothing approach. Even small changes can make a significant impact in reducing pollution and improving your health and the environment.

Carpool or use public transport

Carpooling and using public transportation are effective ways to reduce pollution. Firstly, carpooling reduces the number of cars on the road, which leads to a decrease in traffic congestion and, consequently, lowers emissions. With fewer cars, there is a decrease in the amount of pollutants entering the air, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants are detrimental to the environment and public health, contributing to serious health issues such as asthma and other respiratory problems. Carpooling also reduces the cost of fuel for individuals, as it can be shared between those in the car. This is a more economical and environmentally friendly option.

Public transportation offers similar benefits, with the added advantage of being more accessible to those without a driver's license or access to a car. Public transportation is especially effective in reducing emissions when it replaces a commute that would otherwise be undertaken by car. A single person switching from a 20-mile solo round trip commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by more than 48,000 pounds in a year. This is a significant reduction, equivalent to a 10% decrease in greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.

Public transportation also reduces the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, which are among the least fuel-efficient modes of transportation. A full-size diesel-powered bus with seven passengers, for example, is more fuel-efficient than the average car. Furthermore, public transportation saves a substantial amount of fuel. In the United States, it saves the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually, which equates to more than 11 million gallons per day. This also translates to 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day.

The combination of carpooling and increased use of public transportation can significantly reduce pollution, improve air quality, and lead to a healthier environment for everyone.

Buy energy-efficient appliances

Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution. By choosing energy-efficient appliances, consumers can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and slowing climate change.

The US Department of Energy reports that the US consumes nearly a million dollars' worth of energy every minute. By selecting high-efficiency appliances over conventional models, US consumers saved $12 billion on utility bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 23 million cars in a single year.

When your old appliances break down, replacing them with the most efficient models is a top priority. Energy-efficient appliances will reduce your energy bills and lower your global warming emissions. For example, an energy-efficient electric heat pump water heater could cost about $700 more than a standard electric water heater, but the energy savings will add up to $3,500 over the lifetime of the equipment.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced ENERGY STAR, a voluntary labelling program, in 1992. The label means that a product meets or exceeds strict energy-efficiency guidelines established by the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE). To meet international targets for curbing climate change, choose appliances that save at least 25% in energy consumption over your current models.

For example, the air conditioning and heating system in your house can use up to half of your total home energy consumption. Swapping old cooling and heating systems for ENERGY STAR models can cut annual energy costs by 20% or more. Efficient models allow you to program the system to use the minimum amount of energy needed to cool or heat a room at different times of the day.

Central air conditioners (ACs) are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which is the cooling output divided by the power input. A higher SEER means a more efficient air conditioner. Federal regulations state that homes in Northern US states must have at least a 13 SEER rating, while households in the Southeast and Southwest must have a rating of 14 SEER or higher. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recommends a SEER rating of at least 14.5.

Most US homes are heated with a furnace or boiler. ENERGY STAR furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or greater, making them about 15% more efficient than standard models. The most efficient boilers have an AFUE rating of 85% or greater.

When choosing appliances, consider both the purchase price and the operating cost. By choosing energy-efficient ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators and freezers, and using and maintaining them properly, households can save significantly on their energy bills.

Dishwashers have become an indispensable part of any modern kitchen. Energy-Star-qualified dishwashers need 25% less energy than federal minimum standard dishwashers and save $100 and 3,870 gallons of water over their lifetime. An efficient dishwasher needs very little water to clean dirty dishes. Many new dishwashers include a soil sensor to adjust water use depending on how dirty each load is.

Washing clothes makes up 14% of the average US household's energy usage. An efficient washer uses 25% less energy than a standard washer and about 10 fewer gallons of water per load. Efficient washers are also gentler on clothes, leading to less wear and tear.

Dryers use a significant amount of energy—in an average home, they use 35% of the energy expended on appliances. Energy-efficient dryers use 20% less energy than conventional dryers and have technology that can sense when laundry is dry, as well as special cycles that can reduce the need for ironing.

Reduce food waste

Reducing food waste is an important way that consumers can help lower pollution levels and mitigate climate change. Food waste has a significant environmental impact, as it is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, where it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. In the US, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply, adding up to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010.

Smart Shopping and Food Storage

• Write a shopping list and plan meals before going to the grocery store.
• Understand the difference between "use-by" and "best-by" date labels.
• Set your fridge to the optimal temperature and learn the best ways to store different foods.
• Make use of your freezer for leftovers.

Composting

• Compost fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and leaves.
• Composting can provide beneficial returns on your investment of time and effort. It will result in compost that can be used as fertilizer in your garden, improving yields, and reducing the need for water.

Donating Food

• Donate wholesome, unsold food to those in need.
• This can help feed hungry people and reduce food insecurity, while also providing financial incentives such as tax breaks.

Reducing Portion Sizes

• Avoid super-sized portions when cooking or eating out.
• This can help reduce food waste by ensuring that less food goes uneaten.

Awareness and Education

• Educate yourself and others about the scale of food waste and how to properly use and store food.
• Address norms and attitudes that normalize wasting food.
• Understand the environmental and social impacts of food waste.

By implementing these strategies, consumers can play a crucial role in reducing food waste, lowering pollution levels, and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products

Using environmentally-friendly cleaning products is an effective way to reduce pollution and its associated negative health impacts. Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, and other health issues. In addition, the concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning products are classified as hazardous, posing risks during handling, storage, and disposal.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many conventional cleaning products can affect indoor air quality and contribute to outdoor air pollution, specifically smog formation. Additionally, certain ingredients in these products, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates, have been linked to adverse reproductive effects in wildlife exposed to polluted waters.

Eco-friendly cleaning products offer a safer and more sustainable alternative. Here are some benefits of making the switch:

• Reduced Health Risks: Eco-friendly cleaning products are typically made from natural ingredients, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and other health issues associated with harsh chemicals.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While eco-friendly options may have slightly higher upfront costs, they tend to last longer and require smaller quantities for effective cleaning, resulting in overall cost savings.
• Pollution Reduction: By using biodegradable and harmless disinfectants, eco-friendly products minimize the release of volatile organic compounds, reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly products promote renewable and plant-based sources, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and minimizing waste materials. They also often come in recycled packaging, further reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.
• Support for Small Businesses: Choosing eco-friendly products from small and local businesses helps reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing shipping distances and supporting regenerative business models that positively impact the environment, society, and the economy.

To make informed choices, consumers should be cautious of vague or generic claims on product labels, such as "environmentally friendly" or "green." Instead, look for certifications like the Safer Choice program by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which ensures that products meet stringent requirements and high standards for safer ingredients.

Frequently asked questions