Solving Air Pollution: A Practical Guide To Cleaner Air

Air pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. It is caused by various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the combustion of fuels. To address this problem, individuals, communities, and governments can take several measures to reduce air pollution and mitigate its harmful effects. This includes adopting cleaner technologies, improving waste management practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, and implementing energy-efficient solutions. Additionally, raising awareness about air pollution and its impacts is crucial to garner support for policy changes and encourage behavioural changes that contribute to cleaner air.

Reduce car usage: walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transport instead

Motor vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution, so reducing car usage can have a positive impact on air quality. Nitrogen dioxide, a harmful byproduct of burning gasoline and diesel fuel, accounts for 80% of roadside air pollution, and vehicles also emit carbon dioxide, a common human-caused greenhouse gas.

One way to reduce car usage is to opt for walking or cycling for shorter trips, especially when travelling to shops or local areas. Walking and cycling have numerous benefits, including reducing congestion and pollution, improving health through physical activity, and lowering costs associated with driving and parking. Additionally, there are over 5000 miles of traffic-free routes on the National Cycle Network, providing safer and more attractive alternatives to driving.

For longer journeys, consider using public transport such as buses or trains, which can often be cheaper and more convenient than driving. Buying in bulk during these trips can help reduce the frequency of travel, and choosing longer time windows for deliveries can help optimise routes and avoid unnecessary trips. Carpooling is another effective way to reduce car usage, especially on days with high levels of air pollution.

In addition to these behavioural changes, local authorities can play a role in encouraging reduced car usage by improving infrastructure. This includes implementing initiatives like 20-minute neighbourhoods, creating safer cycling and walking networks, and making public transport more appealing. These combined efforts can help reduce car reliance and positively impact air quality.

Switch to renewable energy sources and energy-efficient appliances

The transition to renewable energy sources is an essential step to reducing air pollution. Burning fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, gasoline, and diesel releases toxic air pollution and greenhouse gases, which drive climate change and endanger human health. By switching to clean, non-combustion renewable energy sources, we can dramatically reduce air pollution and limit climate change-fueling emissions.

Solar and wind energy are two of the safest and most common renewable energy sources. Solar energy uses solar cells, or photovoltaic (PV) cells, to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy systems do not produce air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions. Wind energy, on the other hand, is generated by wind turbines placed in areas with high-speed winds. Like solar energy, wind energy has no direct air pollution emissions and does not require water for cooling.

In addition to switching to renewable energy sources, adopting energy-efficient appliances and practices can significantly reduce air pollution. Energy efficiency is about using less energy to achieve the same outcome, thereby reducing energy costs and pollution. For example, heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat and cool a home, as they move heat from the surrounding air instead of generating it. Energy-efficient windows are made with materials that reduce heat exchange and air leaks, reducing the energy needed for heating or cooling.

At an industrial level, improvements in energy efficiency have led to significant reductions in emissions from fossil fuel-based power generation. For instance, mandatory energy savings programs and vehicle fuel efficiency standards have helped China achieve an 11% savings in total primary energy supply between 2000 and 2014, along with a reduction of 1.2 gigatons of CO2 emissions in 2014.

Individuals can also play a role in reducing air pollution by investing in energy-efficient products. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR program helps consumers identify energy-efficient products that save money and protect the environment. By choosing energy-efficient appliances, such as heat pump water heaters and improved insulation, individuals can reduce their energy consumption and lower their contribution to air pollution.

By combining the adoption of renewable energy sources with energy-efficient practices and appliances, we can significantly reduce air pollution and mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change.

Avoid open burning and backyard fires, especially during poor air quality

Air pollution is a serious problem, but it is one that can be solved. One possible solution to air pollution is to avoid open burning and backyard fires, especially during poor air quality. Smoke from backyard fires can negatively impact the health of hundreds of people, especially those with asthma and other lung conditions. Particle pollution or particulate matter (PM) is released from burning wood and is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles. These particles can have harmful impacts on the environment and human health if they are breathed in.

Particulate matter, such as PM2.5, can be released from backyard fires and can have dramatic impacts on air quality. Wildfires, for example, have exposed millions to elevated and sometimes hazardous levels of PM2.5. Similarly, backyard fires can become a considerable source of fine-particle air pollution, especially in metro areas. Therefore, it is important to avoid open burning and backyard fires, especially during poor air quality.

On days when particle pollutants are high, it is recommended to avoid burning yard waste and wood. If you do choose to have a campfire, keep the fire small and brief, and only burn dry firewood. It is also important to never start campfires during an air quality alert. You can sign up for alerts about elevated air pollution levels to help you avoid burning wood during these times.

To reduce the impact of backyard fires on air quality, you can also consider switching to natural gas or propane burners, which reduce harmful air pollutants. These conversion kits are available at hearth and patio stores. Additionally, keeping your backyard fires well-maintained can help reduce smoke emissions. Cover stacked wood and allow good airflow so it can dry, and use a moisture meter to check firewood moisture content, which is best at around 20%.

By avoiding open burning and backyard fires, especially during poor air quality, you can help reduce the levels of particle pollution in the air and improve the health of those sensitive to its effects.

Plant and care for trees to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. This process involves trees using their leaves to pull in carbon dioxide, water, and energy from the sun to create sugars that feed the tree. While doing so, they emit oxygen. In one year, a mature tree can absorb half a metric ton of carbon dioxide, and forests in the US offset about 16% of greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the ability of trees to absorb carbon dioxide is threatened by factors such as beetle kill, drought, wildfires, human development, and climate change. To combat this, organizations like the National Forest Foundation are planting millions of trees across the US. Individuals can also contribute by planting and caring for trees.

When planting trees, it's important to consider the species, as their carbon storage capacity varies. For example, Weymouth Pine has a higher storage capacity than Poplar. Additionally, young trees absorb CO2 quicker due to their faster growth rate, while older trees have a greater density and can absorb more over time.

Caring for trees involves ensuring they receive adequate nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, especially as carbon dioxide concentrations rise. Proper tree care also includes providing sufficient water, as trees contain three types of water: bound water in fibres, free water that evaporates, and water of constitution in their molecular structure. By planting and maintaining trees, individuals can play a role in mitigating climate change and improving air quality.

To address air pollution, individuals can also reduce their energy consumption and invest in renewable energy sources. Additionally, walking, cycling, or using public transportation can help decrease emissions from cars, which contribute significantly to air pollution.

Advocate for policies and laws that restrict air pollution and promote sustainability

The Clean Air Act, a federal law enacted in 1970, has been instrumental in reducing air pollution in the United States. This Act empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air pollutants and polluting industries, set air quality standards, and address issues like acid rain and ozone depletion. Amendments to the Act in 1990 further strengthened its impact by establishing technology-based standards for major sources of hazardous air pollutants.

However, the Clean Air Act is not without its challenges. The push and pull of different presidential administrations have influenced the enforcement of the Act. For instance, while the Trump administration attempted to weaken clean air standards, the Biden administration has worked to reinstate and strengthen them.

To ensure the continued effectiveness of the Clean Air Act and advocate for policies and laws that promote sustainability, several actions can be taken:

Support and Strengthen Existing Legislation: Citizens and advocacy organizations can play a vital role in ensuring that elected officials uphold and strengthen the Clean Air Act. This includes advocating for stronger protections, pushing back against loopholes, and holding polluters and regulatory bodies accountable.

Promote Market-Based Mechanisms: Market-based approaches, such as taxes, fees, emissions trading, or caps, can provide incentives for immediate pollution reductions. However, any market-based strategy must consider the potential impact on communities disproportionately affected by pollution and ensure equitable outcomes.

Address Systemic Inequities: Disproportionate exposure to air pollution in low-income communities and communities of color is often driven by systemic racism and weak emission limits. Environmental policies and laws should address these underlying factors and prioritize investment in clean-up programs for disproportionately burdened communities.

Encourage Sustainable Transport: Transport emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution. Policies that encourage walking, cycling, carpooling, and the use of public transportation can help reduce vehicle emissions and congestion. Incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles and improvements in fuel efficiency can also contribute to sustainability.

Educate and Engage Communities: Providing education and guidance on reducing air pollution at the local level can empower communities to take action. This includes promoting energy conservation, raising awareness about air quality, and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources.

By advocating for comprehensive policies and laws that address air pollution and promote sustainability, we can work towards cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Frequently asked questions