Approximately half of the air pollutions comes to us by way of cars and trucks.
There are two very important ways to prevent air pollution – try to drive less and be a smart driver.
Cutting down on trips by car can help cut vehicle air pollution. With gasoline prices being so high recently, many people have chosen to go less distance for their summer vacations.
Also, if you adopt smart driving habits this will help reduce your car’s total emissions. Here are some other ways to prevent air pollution:
- Carpool
- Shop by phone or mail
- Telecommute
- Accelerate gradually
- Obey the speed limit
- Get regular tune-ups for your car as well as support the smog check program
- Keep the air filter in your car clean
- What about smoking vehicles?
- Walk or ride a bicycle (or try one of these cool electric bikes )
- Ride public transit
- Use the cruise control when warranted
- Combine all of your errands into one trip
- Don’t overfill at the pump
- Keep tires properly inflated
Believe it or not, when you save energy, this helps to reduce air pollution. Also, whenever you burn fossil fuel, you add to air pollution.
So use natural gas, gasoline and electricity carefully.
Electricity? It is the power plant that burns fossil fuel to generate electricity. For conservation at home, here are a few ways to prevent air pollution through reduced heat and energy consumption:
- When you leave a room, turn off the lights
- Whenever possible, purchase energy saving appliances
- Add extra insulation to your house
- Use an EPA-approved fireplace insert or wood burning stove
- Insulate your water heater
- Dry your clothes on a clothesline
- Use fluorescent lighting where possible
- Use a thermostat that will automatically turn off your heater or air conditioner when you do not need them
- Instead of a cheap portable air conditioner, use a fan
- Use a microwave to heat small meals
- Install low flow showerheads
Save it and use it later. Here's how.
Beware of small stuff
This particulate air pollution may get trapped in your lungs and cause problems such as bronchitis, asthma attacks and other lung diseases. Here are some ways to prevent air pollution from entering your system and to protect yourself:
- On days that there is unhealthy air, do not use your fireplace or wood stove
- Drive slowly on unpaved roads
- Avoid vigorous activity on days that have unhealthy air
- Avoid using a leaf blower and any other kind of equipment that blows a lot of dust around. Try a broom or a rake instead.
- Drive less, especially on days that have unhealthy air