We All Contribute to Air Pollution – Here’s How to Reduce It
Often, when we think of air pollution, we think of big industrial-scale factories belching out smoke.
And that’s a large part of air pollution.
But what about individuals – you and me?
Do we contribute to air quality problems?
Definitely.
Here are the 4 main gases that we emit – and how to reduce our impact.
Air Pollution from CO2
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the air when things combust or burn. Cars and trucks are probably best known for their CO2 emissions, and of course, as a general rule, the bigger the car, the more energy it takes to run it, and the more pollution it emits.
But it’s not just cars. It’s any engine – from mowing the lawn to going out in a boat or quad bike to flying somewhere. They all contribute to the release of CO2.
The easiest and the most powerful solution is to cut back on the amount of time you travel.
Of course, you need to get around. But try to combine outings – do several things at once – and save precious time as well as emissions.
Use public transportation whenever possible – it’s much more efficient (and green and eco friendly) than one person alone in a car.
Look at your transport options when you need to travel. Flying is one of the worst forms of transport in terms of environmental damage per person. We think flying is the quickest way to get somewhere, but that isn’t always the case. With security checks and waiting times, as well as getting to and from the airports, you may find that other methods (for example a train or an express luxury bus) are quicker. They’re often a lot more comfortable too!
When on holiday, opt for a sailing boat rather than a motorized one. Go for a walk or a bike ride or a zip line adventure rather than a quad bike or jet ski.
It’s easy to make more eco friendly choices – and still have fun!
Air Pollution From Methane
Methane (CH4) is a particularly nasty greenhouse gas.
It is released from landfills (decomposition). It’s also released from livestock and their emissions. And it’s released when we produce coal, natural gas and oil.
There are opportunities to reduce your methane emissions in all of these areas.
Reduce what you send to landfill by reducing what you buy. Only buy things that you really, really need. When you’re buying things, choose items with less packaging. Don’t buy disposables, buy items you need that will last so you don’t need to keep on buying more to replace them.
Compost food waste instead of sending it to landfill. And of course, recycle whatever is left.
Livestock – cattle, sheep, pigs etc. – generate a lot of methane. Factory farming of animals for meat consumption is a massive contributor to pollution (and don’t even get me started on the animal and human worker treatment). Reduce your meat and dairy consumption. Never before have we had such a huge choice of alternatives that are readily available. Eating less meat is one of the best things you do to help the planet – and of course, going vegetarian or vegan is even better if you can.
Reduce your consumption of natural gas and oil by buying and using less plastic, avoiding disposables, and not buying the latest gadgets. They are all made from petroleum. And of course, be economical in your transport choices. If you need a car, be sure it’s a fuel-efficient one.
Air Pollution from Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced from combustion; it’s also produced as a result of agricultural treatments such as soil treatments and fertilizer, as well as in the production of synthetic fabrics such as nylon.
As well as the transport tips above, try to avoid food produced by industrial agriculture – instead buy local food, preferably organic food from small farmers who take care of their land without artificial, polluting fertilizers and insecticides.
In your own garden if you have one, use only natural fertilizers and organic pest control.
Instead of synthetics, buy clothes made from natural materials such as organic cotton, wool and bamboo.
Air Pollution From HFCs
HFCs or Hydrofluorocarbons are produced in the largest quantities from refrigerants. That means everything from refrigerators in supermarkets or the huge air conditioning plants in office towers to the air conditioning in your home if you have any.
HFCs are also used in aerosols such as deodorants, hair spray, spray paint, solvents and other propellants.
Use roll-on bottles instead, or use non-propellant spray bottles. Reduce the use of air conditioning by dressing to suit the weather, adjusting the thermostat and ensuring your home is well insulated.
Effects on the Environment
What do these “greenhouse gases” do to the planet?
By trapping heat, they raise the overall temperature of the Earth.
To put it very simply, as the temperature increases, ice at the North and South poles is melting fast. This causes sea levels to rise, drowning low-lying areas and creating climate instability.
As the oceans become more acidic, water-based plants and animals find it more difficult to survive. Corals – vital for ocean life – struggle to survive and are bleached.
And oceans affect our weather……
It’s becoming a relentless cycle of climate change / global warming.
We’ve caused the damage. The Earth cannot heal itself any more. It’s up to us to reduce the damage, and cutting back on common air pollutants is a big start.
If you were ever in any doubt that the Earth – our only home – is worth saving – watch this lovely video of shots taken from the International Space Station. You don’t necessarily need to watch all of it, but it is lovely.
And yes, our planet IS worth protecting!
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Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your FREE green living book here!
Related:
- Green your air travel
- Plastic pollution and you
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