Simple Daily Actions To Reduce Pollution

There are many ways in which individuals can help reduce pollution. While a large part of the pollution may come from industries and companies that are outside of our control, there are still many things we as individuals can do to make a difference to our air quality. One of the most impactful ways to reduce pollution is to limit driving and opt for walking, cycling, or taking public transportation instead. Motor vehicle emissions remain the most significant source of most common air pollutants. When driving is necessary, it is important to keep your vehicle well-maintained, with properly inflated tires, and to avoid idling for long periods. In addition to reducing car usage, individuals can also make a difference by conserving energy, such as by turning off electrical appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for renewable energy sources.

Reduce car usage

Reducing car usage is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution. Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, and the burning of gasoline and diesel fuel creates harmful byproducts, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide.

There are several ways to reduce car usage and, in turn, reduce pollution. Firstly, individuals can opt to walk or cycle to their destination instead of driving. This is a zero-emission form of transportation that also has the added benefit of improving one's health and fitness. For longer distances, public transportation, such as buses or trains, can be utilised. Public transportation serves to reduce the number of cars on the road and, therefore, the amount of vehicle pollutants in the air. If public transportation is not a viable option, carpooling with friends or colleagues is a more environmentally friendly alternative to driving alone.

Another way to reduce car usage is to plan trips efficiently. Combining multiple errands into one trip can help reduce the number of miles driven, which, in turn, reduces emissions. Additionally, individuals can opt to work from home if their job allows it, further reducing the need for daily commutes.

Finally, when purchasing a new vehicle, individuals can choose a fuel-efficient option. Electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient vehicles emit fewer pollutants than traditional gasoline-powered cars. These vehicles are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, making them a more viable option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

By implementing these strategies, individuals can significantly reduce their car usage and play a vital role in decreasing pollution levels, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Use public transport

Using public transport is a highly effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower the impact of climate change. Transportation is responsible for a large proportion of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, with cars usually carrying just one or two people at a time. By switching to public transport, you can significantly reduce your carbon emissions. For example, a single person switching from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day, or more than 48,000 pounds in a year. That is a 10% reduction in greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.

Public transportation, such as buses and trains, can carry far more people than private cars, leading to lower emissions per person. Additionally, public transportation saves fuel, with U.S. public transportation saving the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually. This also translates to 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels.

Using public transportation instead of driving can also bring about broader benefits. These include lower greenhouse gas emissions, better air quality, less traffic congestion, and improved road safety. Well-planned public transportation systems can also lead to transit-oriented development, with abundant housing and businesses located near train and bus stops. This creates a virtuous cycle, where well-trafficked stations bring in more riders, businesses, and higher property values, leading to increased tax revenues that can be reinvested into improving public transportation infrastructure.

Public transportation is particularly effective in areas with high population densities, such as cities. In these areas, it is essential to prioritize public transportation over private car usage to reduce congestion and improve overall efficiency. Policies such as congestion pricing, where cars are charged a fee to enter high-traffic areas, can effectively discourage car use and promote the use of public transportation.

By choosing to use public transportation, individuals can play a significant role in reducing pollution and mitigating climate change. It is a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Buy energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce air pollution and lower your carbon footprint. The average household has a larger carbon footprint than the average car, and much of the energy used in our homes comes from power plants burning fossil fuels. By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can take a significant step towards reducing air pollution.

When buying new electrical appliances, check the energy rating label. More stars mean fewer emissions. The Energy Rating website can help you select the most efficient appliances. In the US, look for the ENERGY STAR label, which means a product meets or exceeds strict energy efficiency guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Some of the most impactful appliances to consider are:

Refrigerators

The refrigerator is the largest power consumer in most homes. By using an energy-efficient model, you can save a significant amount on your energy bill. According to Energy Star, a top-freezer fridge costs about $45 a year to run, compared to a bottom-freezer ($70) or a side-by-side freezer ($75).

Washing Machines

When you replace your regular washing machine with an energy-efficient model, you will save on both your water and energy bills. An environmentally friendly model can save up to $100 per year on utility and water bills and uses less laundry detergent. It uses 40-50% less energy and more than 50% less water than a conventional washer.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers may not use as much power as refrigerators or washing machines, but the electricity and water required to run a cycle add up. Energy-efficient dishwashers are more efficient, using less water and energy. They generally use about 5.8 gallons of water per cycle, compared to 10 gallons for some older models. ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers are, on average, 12% more energy-efficient than standard models.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Your heating and cooling systems can account for up to one-half of your total home energy consumption. Swapping old systems for ENERGY STAR models can cut annual energy costs by 20% or more. Efficient models allow you to program the system to use only the minimum amount of energy needed to cool or heat a room at different times of the day.

By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can reduce pollution, lower your utility bills, and extend the useful life of your appliances. It's a great way to make a positive impact on the environment and save money at the same time.

Plant trees

Planting trees is a great way to help reduce pollution. Trees are often referred to as the "'lungs' of an ecosystem because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. They also act as the "liver" of an ecosystem, filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves.

Trees can improve air quality in both direct and indirect ways. Indirectly, they can help by providing shade and reducing temperatures. If buildings are shaded by trees, it reduces the need for conventional air conditioning and the emissions of greenhouse gases that come with it. Plus, lower temperatures decrease the risk of harmful pollutants like ground-level ozone, which commonly spike on hot days in urban areas.

Trees are particularly effective at removing particulate matter (PM). PM comes in the form of tiny particles of organic chemicals, acids, metals, and dust emitted from fossil-fuel-burning vehicles and factories, as well as construction sites. The largest of these particles measure up to 10 micrometres across (known as PM10s), which is around a fifth of the width of a human hair. Then there are PM2.5s, measuring 2.5 micrometres across, and even smaller nanoparticle pollution.

Fine particulate matter can easily penetrate the human respiratory system, causing lung and cardiovascular diseases or exacerbating respiratory illness. It has also been linked to inflammation and heart disease. By one estimate, 8.9 million deaths a year globally could be attributable to exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter.

Trees help to reduce PM in two main ways: dispersion and deposition. By crashing into trees and plants, concentrated clouds of minuscule particles get dispersed and diluted by the air, decreasing the risk of inhalation by humans. PM can also get trapped in the waxy, hairy leaves of trees and shrubs. When it rains, most of these particles are washed away by water into drains.

The extent to which each species performs filtering activity depends mostly on canopy size, leaf size, and leaf structure. Bigger canopies can trap more particles than smaller ones, and larger leaves can trap more pollutants than small ones. When it comes to leaf type, it is those with rough, rugged, and hairy surfaces that act as the "best filters" for PM.

While trees are generally effective at reducing air pollution, it isn’t as simple as the more trees you have in an urban space, the better the air will be. Some trees are markedly more effective at filtering pollutants from the air than others. To make the most difference in air quality in a street or city, it has to be the right tree for the job. For example, conifers like pines and cypresses are good natural purifiers, but they can be very sensitive to salt levels in the soil, which tend to be high in urban areas.

When deciding which trees to plant, it's important to consider the local context and choose species that are well-suited to the specific ecosystem. It's also crucial to ensure biodiversity and not plant too many of the same species or family in one area.

Avoid backyard fires

Backyard fires are a significant source of air pollution, particularly in metropolitan areas. Smoke from burning wood is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, which are also called particle pollution or particulate matter. This can be harmful to health, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

If you live in a city, it is important to limit the number of backyard fires you have. Smoke from these fires can cause unhealthy conditions for hundreds of people, especially during stagnant weather. If you do decide to have a fire, there are several things you can do to reduce the amount of pollution produced. Firstly, keep the fire small – no more than 3 feet across. Secondly, only burn dry, seasoned firewood, which burns hotter and cleaner. Wood should be covered but allowed to dry out before burning, and you can check the moisture level with a firewood moisture meter. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.

Never burn green wood, construction waste, plastic, garbage, or yard waste. These materials create more smoke and can be toxic. Burning garbage is also generally against the law. Check with your local authorities about any restrictions on backyard fires, as some local governments have adopted ordinances to restrict them. You should also never start a fire during an air quality alert, and be considerate of your neighbours, as the smoke may cause health issues for them.

If you want to enjoy a backyard fire without the negative impacts of burning wood, you could consider switching to a natural gas or propane fire pit. These are cleaner and easier than wood fires, and conversion kits are available to change existing fire pits.

Frequently asked questions