Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution: What To Take

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the environment and our health. It is caused by the emission of harmful particles, chemicals, and gases into the atmosphere, with road transport being a significant contributor. To combat this issue, individuals can make conscious choices to reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality. This includes adopting eco-friendly transportation options, such as carpooling, using public transportation, or opting for walking or biking for shorter distances. Additionally, reducing energy consumption, using energy-efficient appliances, and choosing environmentally friendly products can help decrease pollution levels. These small changes can collectively make a significant impact on improving air quality and protecting our planet.

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

Reducing car usage in favor of walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

Walking and cycling are excellent alternatives to driving, especially for shorter trips or as part of a longer journey involving public transportation. They are environmentally friendly, contribute to a healthier lifestyle, and can help tackle obesity and improve mental health. In addition, walking and cycling reduce traffic congestion and emissions, making them crucial for cities to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Carpooling with colleagues, friends, or neighbors is another effective way to reduce air pollution. It helps to decrease traffic congestion and emissions, especially in urban areas. For example, a single person switching from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 48,000 pounds.

Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and metros, offers significant environmental benefits. It saves the United States the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and reduces congestion. In 2011, public transportation use in the US saved 865 million hours in travel time, preventing a rise in congestion costs.

By reducing car usage and embracing walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transportation, we can significantly decrease our carbon footprint, improve air quality, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Use energy-efficient appliances and heating systems

Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of reducing air pollution and its associated negative impacts on human health, the economy, and the environment. By reducing energy consumption, we can lower the demand for electricity generation, which in turn decreases air pollution and provides various economic and environmental benefits.

One way to contribute to this reduction is by using energy-efficient appliances and heating systems. These appliances are designed to reduce energy waste, allowing you to perform the same tasks while consuming less energy. For example, super-efficient electric heat pumps serve as a dual-purpose appliance for heating and cooling your home or business, proving to be a cleaner and more affordable option.

When purchasing new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the appliance is more energy efficient. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program has been successful in reducing carbon pollution and saving money on household energy bills. Energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are also becoming more affordable and accessible, with the Energy Star website providing information on rebates available in your area.

Additionally, consider getting an energy audit for your home and following the recommended advice. This may include investing in energy-efficient lighting, which can reduce indoor air pollution and provide critical lighting access to households. By making the switch to energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, you can play a vital role in reducing air pollution and its adverse effects.

Conserve electricity and switch to renewable energy suppliers

Conserving electricity and switching to renewable energy suppliers are crucial steps in reducing air pollution and safeguarding public health. Here are some detailed instructions on how we can achieve these important goals:

Conserve Electricity

• Set your thermostat slightly higher in the summer and lower in the winter: Small adjustments in temperature settings can lead to significant energy conservation. This simple action can reduce the demand for electricity, especially from fossil fuel sources, which are major contributors to air pollution.
• Participate in local energy conservation programs: Joining community initiatives or programs aimed at conserving energy can provide guidance, support, and collective impact. Together, we can make a bigger difference.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label: When purchasing home or office equipment, opt for energy-efficient appliances and lighting with the ENERGY STAR label. These products are designed to reduce electricity consumption and lower your carbon footprint.
• Practice responsible refueling: When refueling your vehicle, follow gasoline refueling instructions carefully. Avoid spilling fuel, always tighten your gas cap securely, and consider using portable "spill-proof" gasoline containers when available.
• Maintain your vehicle: Keep your car, boat, and other engines properly tuned, and ensure your tires are properly inflated. Well-maintained vehicles tend to be more fuel-efficient, reducing emissions and air pollution.

Switch to Renewable Energy Suppliers

• Embrace solar power: Solar energy systems use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. With solar energy gaining popularity, costs have become more competitive.
• Explore wind energy: Wind turbines, especially in areas with high-speed winds, can generate energy with minimal environmental impact. Wind energy has grown significantly in the US, now accounting for more than seven percent of the country's energy generation.
• Understand the benefits: Switching to renewable energy sources not only reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but also creates local jobs, reduces dependence on imported fuels, and increases cost efficiency. It's a win-win for both the environment and the economy.
• Advocate for change: Encourage your city, state, and federal government to prioritize clean, non-combustion renewables. Support policies that promote the development and adoption of renewable energy sources, and hold leaders accountable for creating a healthier future for all.

By taking these steps to conserve electricity and transition to renewable energy suppliers, we can collectively make a significant impact in reducing air pollution and creating a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable world for future generations.

Avoid open fires and use eco-friendly paints and cleaning products

Open fires, whether for household waste disposal or otherwise, produce smoke that contains vapours and particulate matter (solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air). This smoke is a form of air pollution that can impact human health. People exposed to such air pollutants can experience eye and nose irritation, difficulty breathing, coughing, and headaches. The toxic chemicals released during burning include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), and polycyclic organic matter (POMs). Burning plastic and treated wood also releases heavy metals and toxic chemicals, such as dioxin, benzo(a)pyrene (BAP), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been shown to cause cancer. Therefore, it is important to avoid open fires and opt for cleaner alternatives.

One way to reduce air pollution is to use eco-friendly paints. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution and poor respiratory health. Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, have low-to-no VOC content, minimising toxin exposure and improving indoor and outdoor air quality. These paints use natural raw ingredients, such as clay, to create a 'breathable' paint that is safe and functional for interior and exterior use. They also reduce the use of hazardous chemicals like heavy metals and other toxins.

Eco-friendly paints are not only better for the environment but also for personal health. For example, The Organic & Natural Paint Co. offers VOC-free and HAP-free (Hazardous Air Pollutants) paints that are safe and medically approved for those with breathing conditions. Additionally, some eco-friendly paint companies have give-back programs, promoting a healthier planet and supporting various social causes.

Using eco-friendly cleaning products is another way to reduce air pollution. Traditional cleaning products contain chemicals that linger on surfaces and vaporise into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution. Eco-friendly cleaning products, on the other hand, are made with natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients, reducing the toxic load on both the environment and personal health. Many of these products are shipped in recycled packaging and plastic-free containers, further reducing their environmental impact. Examples of eco-friendly cleaning brands include Branch Basics, Seventh Generation, Truce, and Dr. Bronner’s.

Plant trees and support local garden initiatives

Trees are an excellent natural way to combat air pollution. They can help reduce air pollution in two main ways: dispersion and deposition. In the case of dispersion, when concentrated clouds of minuscule particles crash into trees, they get dispersed and diluted by the air, reducing the risk of inhalation by humans. Deposition occurs when the particles get trapped in the waxy, hairy leaves of trees and shrubs and are washed away by rainwater. Trees also provide shade, reducing the need for conventional air conditioning and the emissions of greenhouse gases that come with it.

Some trees are better at filtering pollutants than others. Trees with bigger canopies, larger leaves, and rough, rugged, and hairy surfaces are the best filters. For example, silver maple and elder trees are great for bringing pollutant-beating benefits, though they are more of a long-term investment. London plane trees, on the other hand, emit high levels of volatile organic compounds, which can negatively impact urban air quality.

If you want to plant trees to improve the air quality in your area, you can check if your local council arranges community gardening projects. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a map of community gardening groups in the UK that help revamp streets, community gardens, and disused areas. You can also apply to be a volunteer tree warden through projects that receive grants from The Tree Council.

In addition to trees, certain plants can help improve air quality, especially in urban environments. Plants with hairy and rough or waxy leaves can capture particulates more easily, reducing them by up to 60% and cutting nitrogen dioxide by up to 40%. Some examples include yarrow, ladies' mantle, silverbush or shrubby bindweed, wallflower, lavender, coral bells, and ivy.

Frequently asked questions