Ways to Reduce Air Pollution

We all are part of the mission to reduce the carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. Let’s take a New Year’s resolution, “We will help our Earth”.

We make choices everyday that can help reduce air pollution. Below are a few ideas that you can take to help clean our air.

At Home

• Conserve energy – turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
• Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces production emissions.)
• Keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained. You should also consider replacing old wood stoves with EPA-certified models.
• Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter.
• Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities.
• Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.
• Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F.
• Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Test your home for radon-a dangerous, radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. If the test shows elevated levels of radon, the problem can be fixed cost effectively.
• Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. If you or your visitors must smoke, then smoke outside.

Buy Smart

• Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances. They are environmentally friendly products.
• Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles.
• Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.
• Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
• Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

Drive Wise

Plan your trips. Save gasoline and reduce air pollution.

• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
• In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don’t “top off” the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.
• When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
• Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).
• Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.
• Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
• Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.
• Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

For Your Health

• Check daily air quality forecasts, which tell how clean or polluted your air is, and the associated health concerns.
• Remove indoor asthma triggers from your home and avoid outdoor triggers in order to effectively control your asthma.
• Minimize your sun exposure. Wear sun block and UV protection sunglasses.