The air in the world's cities is becoming polluted with particulate matter and carbon monoxide as a result of Smog.These pollutants are harmful to humans and the environment.How can you clean the air yourself?You might be surprised to know how much you can help.There are actions you can take to reduce your contribution.
Step 1: Ask about car culture.
Industrial manufacturing practices are the main reason for the pollution of the earth's air.The manufacturing of cars and roads, the production of fuel, and the emissions that result from burning that fuel all play a part.Since many cities are laid out in such a way that driving is almost a necessity, it can be hard to determine the best way to combat this problem.No matter where you live, you can find creative ways to be less dependent on cars.If you reduce your use of your car, you can still take action.Instead of going to the grocery store every other day, make one trip every week or two and a half to stock up on everything you need.Signing up for a car share program is a great way to reduce your car use.
Step 2: You can take the bus, subway or train.
If you live in New York City, you're used to taking mass transit wherever you go, but there are other places that offer public transportation.Start replacing your car commute with a bus trip at least once a week by getting familiar with your city's bus or train routes.You should only use your car when you can't find a good alternative to public transportation.There are a lot of advantages to taking a bus or train.You'll have more time to read, knit, and do crosswords if you do your part to reduce air pollution.Taking public transportation will probably help reduce your anxiety since you won't have to deal with rush hour traffic.
Step 3: Try biking or walking.
You can use your own energy to propel you where you want to go, even better than taking public transportation.If you have the time, you can probably walk to locations that are within a five minute drive of your house.If you're lucky, you can live in a place with good bike routes.In places with a lot of traffic, biking is the fastest way to get around.
Step 4: It's a good idea to keep your car in good condition.
Make sure your car passes the city's smog test with flying colors by getting it checked out frequently.Use an energy-conserving motor grade oil to help your car make as small a dent as possible.When it's cool outside, fill your gas tank in the early morning or late evening.The heat of the day causes gas to evaporate.Don't let gas spill when you fill your tank.If you want to avoid long lines at fast food restaurants and banks, park your car and walk inside.Your car's tires should be inflated to the recommended pressure.The best performance for your car will be produced by this.
Step 5: Don't buy it, make it.
It's a great way to reduce air pollution if you use raw ingredients instead of buying them at the store.The practice of mass-produced, packaging, and shipping goods to make them readily available to consumers is directly responsible for the pollution of the air.Take a look at your house and figure out what you could make.Food is one of the ideas.It's a good idea to make your meals from scratch if you buy a lot of pre-packaged food.Eliminating convenience foods and creating dishes with raw ingredients is better for the environment.If you love spaghetti, make your sauce from raw tomatoes and garlic instead of buying a canned sauce.You can also make your own pasta.Did you know you can make your own cleaning products?You can make your own dish soap, laundry detergent, and bathtub cleaner with nontoxic ingredients.Glass jars are a good place to store your concoctions.It's the same for homemade toothpaste and lip balm.If you want to try out clothing on your own, start with basics like shirts and pants.If you want to become a full-time maker, look into homesteading.You need to make that sauce when you grow tomatoes and garlic.
Step 6: It's a good idea to shop locally.
Try to buy items that are made and sold in the area.Commercial stores tend to get their wares shipped in from all over the world, which contributes to air pollution.Shop at farmer's markets.This is the best way to buy food grown in the area.You can check the tags of clothing.Try to find items that were manufactured close to where you live.It can be quite expensive, but consider buying items that were handmade by someone close to you.Getting secondhand clothes is a good way to cut down on consumption if this isn't an option.Don't buy stuff online.Getting a book or clothing item online is very easy for the consumer, but think about the boats, planes and trucks required to deliver that item to your door.You should only do it occasionally.
Step 7: It's better to choose less packaging.
The plastic, foil and cardboard used in packaging is manufactured using practices that negatively impact air quality.Pick items that have less packaging, no matter what you're shopping for.Instead of choosing a box of individually-wrapped granola bars, try making your own at home or buying one from a bakery where they don't come wrapped in foil.If that isn't an option, go for the items that come in recycled packaging.You can take your own cloth shopping bag to the store.Instead of buying individually packaged items, shop in the bulk food section.Don't buy canned or frozen produce.You don't have to buy many smaller containers if you buy extra large containers.
Step 8: Compost, reuse, and recycle.
Air pollution can be reduced by managing household waste effectively.Less trash going into the landfills is a big source of air pollution.You can reuse items that come in glass containers if you buy them.It's a good idea to reuse plastic, but be careful with it since chemicals can get into the food over time.According to your city's guidelines, recycle plastic, paper, aluminum, and other materials.You can use a compost pile in your yard to dispose of food scraps and vegetable peelings.You can use rick, black compost to feed your garden after you've tended your pile for a few months.
Step 9: Paints and cleaning products are safe to use.
It is better for your breathing health to use paints and cleaning products that emit less smog-causing particles to the air.Follow manufacturer's recommendations to use and properly seal cleaners, paints, and other chemicals.Smog-forming chemicals can't evaporate if you follow the instructions.
Step 10: Use less lights and appliances.
Don't leave the TV on all day and turn off the lights when you leave a room, that's what you've heard a million times.Since the electricity that runs your lights and appliances is generated by coal or natural gas plants, these small actions are more important than ever.Take advantage of natural light to cut back on your household's energy use.You won't have to switch the lights on if you set up your work or study space near a window that gets bright light all day.Rather than lighting up the whole house all the time, have one room in the house that is the "bright room" at night.The bright room is where your family can gather to read, study, or watch a movie.Don't plug your appliances when you're not using them.That applies to big appliances as well as small ones.It's not unusual for a phone charge to be left plugged in.Older large appliances can be replaced with models that are designed to conserve energy.You can buy electricity from low or zero pollution facilities.You can look into the options in your area.
Step 11: Think about your heating and cooling habits.
If you can allow your body to adjust to the changing seasons, you will be able to keep the temperature stable.Break out your hand fans and warm sweaters to help you adjust to weather changes instead of relying on your thermostat, as Blasting the heat and air is a major drain on energy.When you're away on a weekend, make sure to adjust your thermostat so that you don't get hot or cool air when you return.
Step 12: Don't take baths for long.
Being aware of how much hot water you use is an important practice.Taking shorter showers and skipping baths will give you enough hot water.If you want the water to never heat up beyond 120 F, you need to turn your water heater on.You can use the cool setting on your washing machine.
Step 13: You have to educate yourself.
Different regions have different air pollution issues.It's possible that the local landfill is the main cause of pollution in your area.To find out what the major sources of air pollution are in your area, do some research.Ask around for information, look online, and read the newspaper.If you're in school, your teachers might be able to point you in the right direction.You should start talking about air pollution with people in your life.Discussing the issue could lead to bright ideas or courses of action you wouldn't have thought about on your own.
Step 14: You can plant trees.
One of the most satisfying actions you can take to help the air quality in your region is to plant trees.The trees absorb carbon dioxide and turn it into food.You can find out what types of trees are best to plant in your area.New York's MillionTreesNYC is one of the programs geared toward planting trees.You can find out if there is a similar program in your area.
Step 15: A group is working to fight air pollution.
Changing governmental policies regarding industrial emissions will be the ultimate solution to reduce air pollution.If you want to reduce air pollution, join an organization that wants to do that.You will learn more about the education and experience you need to help bring about lasting change and reduce air pollution in your area.