Simple Household Changes For A Greener Planet

Environmental pollution is a pressing issue that affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the ecosystems we depend on. It is caused by the introduction of harmful substances, known as pollutants, into the environment. To reduce environmental pollution from households, individuals can make small but significant changes in their daily lives. These changes can include reducing energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and turning off electrical appliances when not in use. Transport is also a major source of pollution, so individuals can opt to walk, ride a bicycle, or use public transportation instead of driving. Additionally, individuals can reduce pollution by properly disposing of household hazardous waste, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and conserving water.

Choose energy-efficient appliances and lighting

Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution in your household. By using less energy to perform the same tasks, you can cut down on emissions and lower your utility bills.

When shopping for new appliances, lighting, and electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that independently certifies products delivering high energy efficiency and savings. For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater can use 70% less energy than a standard electric water heater, saving a family of four over $550 a year. Similarly, refrigerators with the ENERGY STAR label use 35% less electricity than older models, and ENERGY STAR washing machines use one-fourth less energy and one-third less water than standard models.

In addition to major appliances, you can also replace your light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs. These bulbs are now used in half of US homes and are expected to save consumers nearly $3 billion per year on utility bills while reducing carbon emissions.

Other energy-efficient appliances to consider include smart thermostats, which can automatically adjust to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away, and heat pumps, which can be used for both heating and cooling your home year-round.

By choosing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, you can play a crucial role in reducing environmental pollution from your household while also saving money and improving the comfort and health of your home.

Reduce car usage and opt for eco-friendly transport

There are many ways to reduce your environmental impact and make your household more sustainable. One of the most effective ways to do this is to reduce car usage and opt for eco-friendly transport.

Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with cars and light-duty trucks being the biggest culprits. The average vehicle releases one pound of CO2 per mile driven, so opting for eco-friendly alternatives can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Walking or biking to work or the shops instead of driving is an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact. These modes of transport are emission-free and offer health benefits for the individual. Additionally, choosing to walk or bike can lead to a healthier community, with improved air quality and reduced cases of respiratory issues such as asthma.

Public transportation is another great alternative to driving. Taking the bus, for example, reduces CO2 emissions by 45% compared to driving alone, and it is estimated that public transportation in the U.S. saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Carpooling with friends or colleagues is another way to reduce car usage and save money on fuel costs.

When it comes to choosing a car, opt for a fuel-efficient vehicle with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a fantastic low-carbon alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. They can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run. If you already own a car, consider optimising it by keeping it well-maintained and reducing unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel and causes excess engine wear.

Reducing car usage and opting for eco-friendly transport is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Conserve water and reduce water pollution

Conserving water is essential to prevent water shortages and protect the environment. Here are some ways to conserve water and reduce water pollution in your household:

Conserve Water

It is important to be mindful of water usage and adopt water-saving habits. Taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, and only running the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads are simple yet effective ways to conserve water. Fixing leaky faucets, pipes, and appliances is another crucial step, as leaks can waste multiple gallons of water a day.

Upgrading to water-efficient appliances, such as Energy Star-certified dishwashers and washing machines, can significantly reduce water consumption. Additionally, installing water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors can lower your shower flow without compromising cleansing and comfort.

When it comes to outdoor water usage, opt for drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping. Reduce grass-covered areas and consider using mulch, which slows evaporation and helps plants retain moisture. Water your lawn only when necessary, and do so during the cool parts of the day to prevent evaporation and fungal growth.

Reduce Water Pollution

To reduce water pollution, it is crucial to properly dispose of household chemicals and waste. Avoid pouring fats, oils, grease, and household chemicals down the sink or toilet. Keep a separate jar or container for collecting fats and dispose of them in the solid waste bin. Similarly, do not flush medications or drugs down the toilet.

Use phosphate-free, eco-friendly soaps, detergents, and cleaning products. Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and never dispose of these chemicals or automotive fluids into sewer systems.

By following these tips and adopting more sustainable practices, you can significantly contribute to water conservation and pollution reduction efforts.

Avoid backyard fires and burning garbage

Backyard fires and burning garbage are a major source of air pollution. Smoke from fires can cause unhealthy conditions for hundreds of people, especially during stagnant weather. The smoke released from burning garbage contains harmful chemicals and particulate matter, which can lead to severe health issues, especially for children, teenagers, pregnant women, older persons, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Health Hazards

Burning garbage releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic organic matter (POMs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dioxins. Dioxins, in particular, can wreak havoc on the body, leading to adverse reproductive development, suppression of the immune system, disruption of hormonal systems, asthma attacks, and cancer. These chemicals are released when items containing even trace amounts of chlorine are burned. The open burning of trash also increases the risk of cardiac and respiratory problems due to the release of particulate matter.

Environmental Impact

The smoke from backyard fires is released close to the ground, where it is more readily inhaled by people and incorporated into the food chain. The chemicals produced by backyard burning are released into the soil and water, where they can be ingested by animals and, subsequently, by humans who consume those animals. The particulate matter produced during open burning can also speed up the deterioration of man-made materials such as concrete, paint, and metal when mixed with rainwater.

Fire Hazards

There is a significant danger of a trash fire getting out of control and causing wildfires, injuries, or even death. Between 1988 and 2000, for example, 226 Oklahomans were hospitalized for injuries related to trash burning, including three deaths.

Alternatives to Backyard Burning

• Reduce Waste: Avoid buying items with excessive packaging and opt for products that can be reused or recycled.
• Reuse and Recycle: Reuse old paper, cans, and plastic bags, and recycle certain types of plastic, glass, aluminum cans, cardboard, and paper.
• Composting: Start a compost pile for plant-based kitchen and yard waste to use as fertilizer or mulch.
• Chipping: Chip natural vegetation to use as mulch or decorative landscape material.
• Hire a Sanitation Service: Work with your neighbors to hire a sanitation service that will collect and properly dispose of your trash and recyclables.
• Proper Disposal: If you have to burn, always follow safety guidelines, such as keeping fires small and brief, burning only dry firewood, and avoiding burning during stagnant weather or air quality alerts.

Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products

Using environmentally-friendly cleaning products is an effective way to reduce your household's impact on the environment. Phosphorus in detergents, for example, increases nutrient loads in rivers and can cause excessive algal growth. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the products you use and dispose of them properly.

When shopping for cleaning products, look for those with ecolabels, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice Standard. This certification indicates that the product has been designed with the environment in mind and meets specific environmental performance criteria. The EPA runs two ecolabel programs for cleaning products: Safer Choice for everyday cleaners and Design for the Environment for antimicrobial products like disinfectants. Both programs evaluate product performance and assess their ingredients to ensure they meet environmental and human health and safety criteria.

In addition to ecolabels, look for products with plant-based or natural ingredients. Ingredients like coconut oil, mineral salt, lavender, tea tree essential oils, and baking soda are effective and environmentally friendly. You can also make your own cleaning products at home using ingredients like vinegar, alcohol, baking soda, dish soap, and essential oils.

When using cleaning products, be mindful of how much you are using and always follow the instructions on the label. It is also important to never pour chemicals or fertilisers down the drain, as they can end up in rivers or the ocean and cause harm to the environment.

By choosing environmentally-friendly cleaning products, you can reduce your household's impact on the environment and contribute to a clean and sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions