Small Changes, Big Impact: Reducing Pollution

There are many ways to reduce pollution and improve the air we breathe. While a large part of pollution may come from industries and companies that are outside of our control, there are still plenty of things we can do as individuals to make a difference to our air quality.

One of the easiest ways to reduce pollution is to make changes to the way we travel. Motor vehicle emissions are the most significant source of common air pollutants, so opting to walk, cycle or take public transport instead of driving can make a big difference.

Other ways to reduce pollution include saving energy, using energy-efficient appliances, and using environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Changes to Reduce Pollution

Opt for walking, cycling, carpooling, or public transport instead of driving

Opting for walking, cycling, carpooling, or taking public transport instead of driving is a great way to reduce pollution and improve air quality. Here are some reasons why:

Reducing Air Pollution: Motor vehicle emissions are a significant source of common air pollutants. By choosing to walk, cycle, or share rides, you can help decrease the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, reduce harmful emissions. This not only benefits the environment but also improves air quality, making it cleaner and healthier for everyone to breathe.

Improving Health: Walking and cycling are excellent forms of physical activity that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Incorporating active travel into your daily routine can improve your cardiovascular and respiratory health. Additionally, when more people opt for these active modes of transportation, it reduces congestion on the roads, leading to less pollution and a more pleasant urban environment.

Cost-Effectiveness: Walking and cycling are cost-effective options as they do not involve fuel costs or ticket fares. While public transport may require a fare, it is often cheaper and more convenient than driving, especially when considering factors like parking fees and traffic congestion. Carpooling can also reduce costs for all passengers by sharing fuel expenses.

Environmental Concerns: Choosing active or shared transportation shows a commitment to environmental sustainability. Walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transportation do not emit hazardous substances or greenhouse gases, positively impacting the environment. Additionally, with the growing availability of electric or hybrid vehicles for carpooling, the environmental impact can be further reduced.

Community Planning: The availability of safe routes for walking and cycling is crucial for encouraging their adoption. When communities prioritize the development of walking and cycling infrastructure, it not only promotes a healthier and more environmentally friendly means of transportation but also makes these options more accessible and attractive to residents.

Making a conscious choice to opt for walking, cycling, carpooling, or public transportation can significantly contribute to reducing pollution and creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for everyone.

Choose fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions

Choosing fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution. Motor vehicle emissions are the most significant source of common air pollutants, and transportation accounts for 28% of US greenhouse gas emissions.

When it comes time to replace your car, opt for a fuel-efficient vehicle with low emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great option, as they emit fewer pollutants and avoid the environmental damage associated with drilling and refining oil. However, it's important to note that the benefits of EVs are diminished by the surging popularity of highly fuel-consumptive pickups and SUVs. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on improving the fuel economy of all vehicles, including gasoline-powered cars.

To make a more sustainable choice when purchasing a new car, you can refer to vehicle guides that provide ratings on environmental performance, such as the Green Vehicle Guide in Australia. These guides allow you to compare carbon dioxide (CO2) emission rates for specific vehicle models. Additionally, consider the fuel economy of the vehicle, as a more fuel-efficient car will emit less CO2.

By choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle with low emissions, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Reduce energy consumption at home, work, and elsewhere

Energy consumption is a major contributor to pollution. By reducing energy usage, you can lower your carbon footprint and help combat climate change. Here are some ways to reduce energy consumption at home, work, and elsewhere:

At Home

• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use. Unplug devices or use a power strip to prevent "vampire power," where electronics draw small amounts of power even when turned off.
• Switch to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new appliances or electronics. These products use less energy and reduce your carbon emissions.
• Improve home insulation to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling.
• Use smart power settings on computers and other devices to enable low-power modes when inactive.
• Install a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling. Smart thermostats can adjust temperatures when you're away or asleep, reducing unnecessary energy usage.

At Work

• Encourage energy-saving practices in the office. Ensure computers and lights are turned off at the end of the day, and consider using power strips for electronics.
• Advocate for energy-efficient upgrades. Suggest that your company invest in energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and equipment to reduce overall energy consumption.
• Promote remote work options. Working from home can reduce commuting emissions and decrease the energy usage of office spaces.
• Opt for video conferencing instead of business travel whenever possible. This reduces the need for transportation and the associated energy consumption.

Elsewhere

• Choose energy-efficient transportation options. Opt for walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible. These options reduce the energy consumption and emissions associated with personal vehicles.
• Carpool or use ride-sharing services. If public transportation or active commuting aren't feasible, sharing rides can still reduce the number of vehicles on the road and overall energy consumption.
• Be mindful of energy usage during leisure activities. For example, opt for energy-efficient accommodations when travelling, and choose experiences that minimize energy usage, such as hiking or camping.

Use environmentally-friendly cleaning and household products

Using environmentally-friendly cleaning and household products is an effective way to reduce pollution. Phosphorus in detergents, for example, increases nutrient loads in rivers and can cause excessive algal growth. Therefore, it is important to opt for eco-friendly alternatives.

Eco-friendly cleaning products are those that are designed with the environmental impact in mind. To ensure that a product is genuinely eco-friendly, look for certifications from ecolabels such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice Standard. 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 the performance and ingredients of products to ensure they meet environmental and human health safety criteria. The EPA also requires products to list all their ingredients and be packaged sustainably, such as in recycled plastic.

Some examples of EPA-approved eco-friendly cleaning products include:

• Presto! All Purpose Cleaner
• Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist
• Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Wipes
• Clorox Compostable Free & Clear Cleaning Wipes
• Goo Gone All-Purpose Cleaner
• Jaws Multi-Surface Kitchen Cleaner
• Krud Kutter Kitchen Degreaser
• 9 Elements Foaming Dish Spray
• Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
• Boulder Clean Granite & Stainless Steel Cleaner
• Ecos Bathroom Cleaner
• Lemi Shine Shower and Tile Cleaner
• Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner
• Clorox Glass Cleaner Cleaning System
• Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray
• Woolite Advantage Instaclean
• Weiman Hardwood Cleaner
• OxiClean Free Versatile Stain Remover Powder
• Bissell Pro Max Clean + Protect Carpet Shampoo

In addition to purchasing eco-friendly products, you can also make your own cleaning solutions at home using ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, salt, rubbing alcohol, lemons, and oranges. For example, you can create an all-purpose cleaner by mixing one part distilled white vinegar and one part water, or a bathroom cleaner by combining 1 1/2 cups of baking soda, 1/2 cup of warm water, 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

By using environmentally-friendly cleaning and household products, you can help reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Cut down on meat and dairy consumption

Cutting down on meat and dairy is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. According to scientists, animal agriculture is the largest producer of air pollutants, with livestock and dairy farming responsible for a large number of ammonia emissions, which cause pollution in the air, as well as in surface and groundwater.

Meat and dairy consumption accounts for almost 15% of total global emissions and uses 83% of farmland while only providing 18% of calories and 37% of protein. This means that eating meat and dairy is an inefficient way to get energy. For example, cows and sheep burp methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, while trying to digest grass.

To reduce your meat and dairy consumption, you can set realistic goals for yourself, such as having a vegetarian day once a week or limiting meat consumption to one day a week. You can also make gradual changes by swapping out the ham from your sandwich or using vegetarian mince instead of meat mince. There are many resources available, such as the Happy Cow app, which can help you find vegetarian and vegan alternatives when eating out.

If you're unsure about giving up meat and dairy completely, you can try a one-month trial of a vegetarian or vegan diet to see how it works for you. You can also start by cutting out the biggest emitters, which are lamb and beef.

By reducing your meat and dairy intake, you will not only benefit the environment but also your health. Lower consumption of meat and dairy products has been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases and colorectal cancer.

Frequently asked questions