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50
Things You Can Do to Reduce Air Pollution
Drive Less -- Drive Smart
About half
of the air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Two important ways to
reduce air pollution are to drive less -- even a little less -- and to drive
smart. Taking fewer trips in your car or truck helps cut air pollution. And
adopting smart driving habits reduces your car's emissions.
Driving less doesn't mean you have to stay home. Try combining driving with
alternative modes of transportation:
1. Carpool.
2. Walk or ride a bicycle.
3. Shop by phone or mail.
4. Ride public transit.
5. Telecommute.
Driving smart keeps pollution at a minimum. *
6. Accelerate gradually.
7. Use cruise control on the highway.
8. Obey the speed limit.
9. Combine your errands into one trip.
10. Keep your car tuned and support the smog check program.
11. Don't top off at the gas pumps.
12. Replace your car's air filter.
13. Keep your tires properly inflated.
14. What about smoking vehicles?
Contact
the EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards.
* What you do when you are stuck in traffic and not "driving" can be very
important as well. Consider turning your engine off if you will be idling
for long periods of time.
That's not all. When shopping for your next car...
15. Look for the most efficient, lowest polluting model--or even use either
a non-polluting car or zero emission vehicle. Visit these web sites for
information that will help you identify clean and fuel efficient vehicles in
any part of the country:
o EPA's Green
vehicle Guide
o The DOE/EPA Fuel
Economy Guide
o The U.S. Department
of Energy Clean Cities Site
If you must drive on days with unhealthy air, drive your newest car. Newer
cars generally pollute less than older models.
Choose Air-Friendly Products
Many products you use in your home, in the yard, or at the office are made
with smog-forming chemicals that escape into the air. Here are a few ways to
put a lid on products that pollute:
16. Select products that are water-based or have low amounts of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).
17. Use water-based paints. Look for paints labeled "zero-VOC."
18. Paint with a brush, not a sprayer.
19. Store solvents in air-tight containers.
20. Use a push or electric lawn mower.
21. Start your barbecue briquettes with an electric probe, or use a propane
or natural gas barbecue.
Save Energy
Saving energy helps reduce air pollution. Whenever you burn fossil fuel,
you pollute the air. Use less gasoline, natural gas, and electricity (power
plants burn fossil fuels to generate electricity):
22. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
23. Replace energy hungry incandescent lights with fluorescent lighting.
24. Check with your utility company for energy conservation tips, like
purchasing energy saving appliances.
25. Use a thermostat that automatically turns off the air conditioner or
heater when you don't need them.
26. Add insulation to your home.
27. Use a fan instead of air conditioning.
28. Use an EPA-approved wood burning stove or fireplace insert.
29. Heat small meals in a microwave oven.
30. Insulate your water heater.
31. Install low flow showerheads.
32. Dry your clothes on a clothesline.
Waste Not
It takes energy to make and sell the products we use. Here are ways to cut
energy use, reduce air pollution, and save money.
33. Choose recycled products.
34. Choose products with recyclable packaging.
35. Reuse paper bags.
36. Recycle paper, plastics, and metals.
37. Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper.
Watch out for the small stuff
When you breathe, very small particles -- such as dust, soot, and acid
droplets -- can slip past your lung's natural defense system. These
particles get stuck deep in your lungs and may cause problems -- more asthma
attacks, bronchitis and other lung diseases, decreased resistance to
infections, and even premature death for the elderly or sick. Here are a few
things you can do to reduce particulate matter pollution and protect
yourself:
38. Don't use your wood stove or fireplace on days with unhealthy air.
39. Avoid using leaf blowers and other types of equipment that raise a lot
of dust. Use a rake or broom instead.
40. Drive slowly on unpaved roads.
41. Drive less, particularly on days with unhealthy air.
42. Avoid vigorous physical activity on days with unhealthy air.
Know The Inside Story
Air pollution is a problem indoors and out. Most people spend at least 80
percent of their lives indoors. Here are some ways you can reduce pollution
in your home, office or school:
43. Don't smoke. Send smokers outside.
44. Products such as cleaning agents, paints, and glues often contain
harmful chemicals. Use them outdoors or with plenty of ventilation indoors.
45. Use safer products, such as baking soda instead of harsher chemical
cleaners.
46. Don't heat your home with a gas cooking stove.
47. Have your gas appliances and heater regularly inspected and maintained.
48. Clean frequently to remove dust and molds.
Visit EPA's Indoor Air
Quality Home Page for more information.
Speak Up For Clean Air
Do what you can to reduce air pollution. It will make a difference. Use your
civic influence to improve regional and national air pollution standards:
49. Write to your local newspaper. Support action for healthy air.
50. Let your elected representative know you support action for clean air.
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