Strategies To Combat Air Pollution And Breathe Easier

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to both public health and the environment. While governments and organizations have implemented measures to combat this issue, there are also numerous ways individuals can contribute to reducing air pollution in their daily lives. These include adopting more sustainable modes of transportation, reducing energy consumption, limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, and advocating for stronger clean air standards.

Reduce energy consumption

Reducing energy consumption is a key way to decrease air pollution. Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity is a major contributor to air pollution, so reducing electricity usage will help to lower emissions.

There are many ways to reduce energy consumption in the home. Firstly, an energy audit can be a great way to identify areas where energy is being wasted and make changes accordingly. A simple way to reduce energy usage is to turn off electrical items that are not in use. Turning off lights when leaving a room, and opening blinds to make use of natural light, are easy ways to save energy. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, or even installing solar panels, can also reduce energy consumption.

Another way to reduce energy usage is to opt for more efficient appliances. Using a fan instead of air conditioning, and installing low-flow showerheads, will reduce electricity usage. When replacing appliances, look for energy-efficient alternatives with an energy star rating.

At the workplace, there are also many ways to reduce energy consumption. Simple actions like turning off computers and printers after hours, and opening blinds to use sunlight, will save energy. Starting a recycling program, and encouraging staff to bring lunches from home, will also help to reduce energy usage.

Reducing energy consumption in transportation is also important. Choosing to walk, cycle, or take public transport instead of driving will help to reduce air pollution. When purchasing a car, consider choosing an electric car, or the most efficient, lowest-polluting vehicle available.

Recycle and reuse

Recycling and reusing are essential components of waste management, which is critical to reducing air pollution. Recycling diverts waste from landfills and incinerators, mitigating the harmful effects of pollution and emissions. It is a three-step process: collection, recovery, and manufacturing.

Recycling conserves natural resources and reduces the need to extract new resources, such as timber, water, and minerals. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, preventing the pollution caused by harvesting new raw materials. Recycling creates a healthier planet for current and future generations, benefiting the community, the economy, and the environment.

To recycle and reuse effectively, individuals can buy used items and donate unused items, ensuring they are maintained and repaired for continued use. Buying products made with recycled content is also beneficial. It is important to know what items can be recycled locally and to encourage proper recycling practices.

Additionally, borrowing, renting, or sharing infrequently used items can reduce waste. Individuals can also limit the creation of waste by reducing their consumption and reusing items whenever possible before recycling them.

Recycling and reusing are crucial components of a broader strategy to reduce air pollution. This includes transitioning to cleaner modes of transportation and energy generation, improving waste management practices, and promoting energy efficiency.

Avoid using cars

Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution. In Washington, they are the largest source of air pollution. In the UK, there is one car for every two people, and CO2 emissions from cars make up 13% of the total. If you can, try to walk or cycle to your destination.

One of the easiest ways to reduce air pollution is to make changes to the way we travel. Leaving the car at home and travelling by bus or train, then walking or cycling the last mile, can improve local air quality and benefit your health. Public transport helps to reduce congestion on the roads and lowers your carbon footprint. CO2 emissions per passenger for train and coach are, on average, six to eight times lower than car travel.

If you need to use a car, there are still ways to reduce the amount of pollution you produce. Driving at higher speeds and constantly breaking can increase fuel consumption and emissions. It is better to maintain a constant speed and employ steady breaking over abrupt breaking. Modern vehicles do not require "warming up" in the winter, so there is no need to turn on the engine until you are ready to drive. Unnecessary idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear.

When shopping for a new car, look for fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These cars can help the environment and save you money on fuel costs. Electric, hybrid, and compact fuel-efficient gas vehicles may not meet all drivers' needs, but they are becoming more affordable and common.

Plant trees

Planting trees is a natural way to reduce air pollution. Trees act as the earth's purification system by absorbing airborne chemicals and releasing oxygen. They absorb toxic chemicals through their stomata or 'pores', filtering these chemicals from the air. Trees also mitigate the greenhouse gas effect by trapping heat, reducing ground-level ozone levels, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, which helps cool our homes.

Trees have been used to reduce air pollution in cities around the world. For example, in 2019, the mayor of London announced that 7,000 trees would be planted before the end of the following year. China's Hebei Province, home to Beijing, has also been working on a "green necklace" of plants to help reduce pollution from the factories that surround the capital.

Conifers, such as evergreen species, are particularly effective at reducing particulate matter (PM) due to their dense canopy structure of needle-like leaves, which traps pollutants. However, conifers may not be suitable for all contexts, as many species are sensitive to salt levels in soils, which tend to be high in urban areas due to the use of salt for de-icing roads.

While trees are a natural way to reduce air pollution, it is important to note that they are not a stand-alone solution. To effectively tackle air pollution, a holistic understanding of urban ecosystems and coordinated action between various stakeholders is necessary.

Advocate for stronger clean air standards

The American Lung Association has been advocating for stronger clean air standards for years. In 2010, the Lung Association led the effort to push the EPA to select the most health-protective standards during public hearings on ozone and sulfur dioxide standards. They also testified before Congress in support of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 2010, which aimed to clean up coal-fired power plants.

The Clean Air Act, adopted in 1970, gives the EPA the authority to regulate air pollutants and polluting industries. It sets limits on six outdoor air pollutants, and the stronger these standards are, the less pollution is emitted. The Lung Association has been instrumental in fighting to strengthen these standards and protect them from weakening attempts.

In 2011, the Lung Association played a crucial role in preventing legislation from overturning and blocking the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. They also advocated for tighter limits on particle pollution and stronger air pollution standards for the oil and gas industry in 2012. More recently, in 2019, they challenged the "Affordable Clean Energy" rule, which fell short of providing adequate carbon limits for power plants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports countries in tackling air pollution through evidence-based policies and interventions. WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit works across knowledge, evidence, institutional capacity building, and leadership to reduce air pollution levels and protect populations from health risks.

Stronger clean air standards are essential to combat the harmful effects of air pollution, which is associated with millions of premature deaths annually. These standards empower organizations like the EPA and WHO to enforce regulations and implement solutions that improve air quality and protect public health.

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