AIR
POLLUTION
There's nothing quite like opening the door
and breathing fresh, clean, air—but how clean is the air you're breathing right
now? Unless you're a scientist with a chemistry lab at your fingertips, there's
no real way of knowing. The gases you're sucking up through your nose could be
slowly killing you: according to the World Health Organization, around two million
people die prematurely from the effects of polluted air every single year. Air pollution is a huge problem—and not just for people
living in smog-choked cities: through such things as global warming and damage
to the ozone layer, it has the potential to affect us all. So what exactly
causes this major environmental issue and what can we do about it? Let's
take a closer look!
One of the biggest consequences
of air pollution is its impact on human health. Air pollution contributes to
respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer and
emphysema. Air pollution can also harm and destroy plant and animal life, and
it damages property.
Simple Solutions to Help Reduce Air
Pollution
There are simple steps you can take in your everyday life to help improve air quality.
1.
Walk or ride a
bike when possible.
2.
Take public
transportation.
3.
Organize and
condense errands into one trip.
4.
When driving,
accelerate gradually and obey the speed limit.
5.
Drive less,
particularly on days with unhealthy air.
6.
Maintain your
vehicle and keep your tires properly inflated.
7.
Support the Smog
Check Program.
AT HOME
Turn the lights off when you leave a
room.
Alternative
energy solutions like solar or wind.
Opt
for a fan instead of air conditioning.
Have your gas appliances and heater regularly inspected and maintained.
Use washable dishes, utensils and
fabric napkins rather than disposable dinnerware.
Choose products that use recycled
materials.
Eat locally, shop at farmers markets and buy
organic products.
Buy products from sustainable sources
such as bamboo and hemp.
Paint with a brush instead of a
sprayer.
Plant a tree! They filter the air and
provide shade.
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