Last Updated on February 10, 2021

Air gives us energy and life. On average, we breathe about 14,000 liters of air every day. Thus, good-quality air is critical to our physical and mental health.

Though we can’t solve air pollution all at once, we can alter the choices that we make each day to build towards a healthier world. That’s why we provide a useful guide on how to reduce air pollution.

How Can I Help Reduce Air Pollution?

There are several ways to reduce air pollution. As we learn more about the earth there are many simple things we can do in our daily life. We can change the way we operate our vehicles and the products that we use in the following ways:

1. Reduce Your Driving

Less driving means fewer emissions. Vehicles emit carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases that account for nearly one-fifth of all U.S. emissions. Try carpooling, taking public transportation, walking, or biking whenever possible. Research has shown that through carpooling we can save 7.2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions if there is one extra passenger in every 100 vehicles. The EPA also gives guidelines on how to better protect the environment from car emissions.

There will be days when you absolutely need to drive your car, so be sure to incorporate the following activities to reduce exhaust emissions:

  • Avoid idling – If you’re stuck in traffic or waiting in a drive-through, be sure to turn off your car. Idling wastes fuel and increases the number of pollutants.
  • Use reformulated gasoline – Reformulated gas (RFG) is the gasoline that burns cleaner than conventional gasoline. With a purpose to reduce toxic pollutants, RFG was mandated by Congress in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment. Be sure to check out the counties and states that participate in this program.
  • Keep your car well-tuned – Be sure that your vehicle is running properly by staying up to date on oil changes and ensuring that your tires are in good shape.
  • Work from home if possible – Now more companies are offering work from home options and although not possible in all situations it can really help reduce your driving.

2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances Around the House

Though it may not seem like it, there is a link between your energy use and the environment. Using less power means you are decreasing power plant emissions. Implementing energy-efficient appliances in your home can help reduce harmful emissions.

  • Replace your light bulbs – By replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs for ENERGY STAR certified bulbs, you’ll use 90% less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Look for ENERGY STAR certified products to participate in building a better environment. And of course, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room!
  • Use a programmable thermostat – This allows you to pre-program and regulates temperatures in your home. You can adjust the heating and cooling temperatures during the winter and summer months while saving costs and greenhouse gas emissions. According to research, incorporating ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling products can reduce up to 13 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
  • Look for energy star certified products- If a product is energy star certified that means that the appliance exceeds efficiency standards set by the EPA.

3. Avoid Using Aerosol Sprays

Though ozone-depleting chemicals, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were removed from aerosol products in the 1970s, they still carry harmful chemicals today. Aerosol products such as hair sprays, air fresheners, and spray paint release chemicals such as formaldehyde, xylene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air both outside and inside your home.

VOC turns a chemical into vapor or gas at room temperature. As a result, it contributes to global warming by enhancing the warming effects of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Instead of spray products, purchase liquid or cream-based products and/or find items that specify having “low VOC.”

In addition, aerosol has been shown to affect rainfall patterns. According to scientists, “aerosols reduce the speed of winds near the earth’s surface, thus leading to the reduction of rainfall.” This theory has been illustrated in California where it shows a decrease in rainfall when aerosol-content is high. Therefore, the impact of aerosol content is not only a serious threat to our air but the ecological balance of our planet.

Be sure to take time to reflect on how to reduce air pollution and incorporate specific goals to reduce your impact on the environment. If we take conscientious steps every day, we can build a cleaner and healthier future.

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Create a sustainable future by contacting Kiwi Energy. We are proud to offer a friendly and efficient customer service team that will help you and your loved ones reduce your carbon footprint. Learn more and see how you can get involved today!