25 Ways You Can Clean The Air
25 Ways You Can Clean The Air
On an average day, drying paint releases more smog-forming compounds than all the area's oil refineries and gas stations combined. Oil-based paints contain three to five times more toxic solvents than water-based latex paints. Close lids tightly-an open gallon can of paint can emit up to three-and-a-half pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Spray paints from cans are double trouble. The gas that propels the spray and any paint that dries before impact or misses its target create additional pollution. When painting, try to use only what you need.
The propellants used in aerosol cans of hairspray, deodorants, and household products contribute to smog. Alternative, non-aerosol products are readily available-and safe.
Minimizing the amount of paper you have to toss away clears the air. Packaging consumes energy when it's made, generates harmful VOCs when it's printed and produces carbon dioxide (CO2) when it's burned. CO2 is one of the "greenhouse gases," which trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere and prevents its passage to space, resulting in a warming of global temperatures. And if that weren't enough, those pretty packages represent half of the nation's costs of waste disposal.
Trees add oxygen to the atmosphere, break down some pollutants and reduce dust. A total of 300 trees can counterbalance the amount of air pollution one person prodces in a lifetime. Water-conserving native plants save three valuable resources-water, energy, and the air-because they require less care. If you push that lawnmower by hand or use an electric powered model, you'll cut down on more toxic fumes. Try an old-fashioned rake instead of a lawn blower, it's good for you and the environment.
The typical lighter fluid used to start those backyard barbeques add up to four tons of pollutants to our skies on a single day. Experimenting with alternate ways of igniting charcoal. Among the methods with significantly fewer emissions are a chimney that uses newspaper tinder, and an electric probe.
A year's worth of electricity in the average home sends 4.5 tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutant, into the air, adding to global warming and day-to-day smog. Turn electric appliances off during peak times between noon and 5 p.m. Set the temperature of your water heater to 130 degrees. This will conserve energy and save roughly $25 a year.
The less energy used for heating and cooling, the less pollution from electric power plants and the burning of oil and natural gas. If you can't add attic or wall insulation, you can still caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows. And close off unused rooms.
Water and space heating account for more than 50% of household energy use. Installing solar energy sources reduce the need to burn fossil fuels. Even without solar, you can cut energy consumption. Turn off the thermostat at night. And use cold water instead of hot whenever possible.
Everyone's health is at risk from smog, especially in peak episodes.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and athletes are particularly vulnerable. Read the daily air quality forecast in your local paper and cut down on exposure outdoors when smog's at its worst.
You can cut down on the pollution coming from motor vechicles by sharing a ride. Carpooling or vanpooling also strike another woe: freeway congestion.
Use public transportation. The bus reduces car repairs and commuting costs, along with stress.
Cycling and walking are great for short trips. Human power produces no emissions and the exercise has benefits of its own.
Instead of hopping in the car whenever you need something, set aside time to plan your errands. Cluster as many as possible. And, when you're out doing those errands, walk into, don't drive through, banks cleaners and fast food restaurants. Vechicle idling produces large amounts of carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Drive-through lanes may be tempting, but they're also serious smog factories.
Leaky air conditioners in cars are the singles greatest source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), another greenhouse gas. Check your auto air conditioner to make sure it's leakproof. And, if it needs to be recharged, have its CFCs recycled. Ask your mechanic if he has a system for recycling freon.
Topping off fills your tank with gas and the air with contaminants. Remember, gasoline is another source of smog since it contains polluatants such as benzene.
Dirty carburetors, clogged air-filters, worn points and plugs, not only wast gas and lower engine performance, they cause increased emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), two of our most persistent smog problems.
Radial tires produce less air-damaging particulate matter per mile traveled than bias-ply tires do. Properly inflated tires can save up to 10% of your fuel consumption.
By obtaining a smog check on your car and making necessary repairs, you'll be helping a statewide program to reduce emissions. Remember that removing a catalytic convertor or other smog control equipment is illegal.
You can call the toll-free number to report cars, buses and trucks that emit visible smoke exhaust for more than 10 seconds. Drivers are advised in writing to make repairs. The AQMD gets about 8,000 reports each month. So, if you see a smoking vechicle, they're ready to take your call.
Recycled materials give the air a break because they needn't be burned or buried. What's recyclable? Newspapers and paper products, aluminium and tin cans, glass bottles, and some plastic containers. Discard used motor oil at a recycling center-it harms water supplies and releases polluting vapors. Encourage your community to establish center. Or organize one as a fundraiser for our church or school.
Compressed work weeks, flextime and telecommuting via computer all reduce traffic congestion and its accompanying emissions. At the AQMD, they work a 4/10 week-10 hours a day, four days a week. Employers like the productivity, employees the flexibility.
The AQMD's trained inspectors regularly check stationary sources of smog. If you suspect a business or industry of violating air quality rules, call us and they'll investigate.
Elected officials on the state, federal, city and county levels need to know you support clean air programs and legislation. You also have a voice in issues affecting your air at the AQMD's regular public meetings.
The AQMD makes it easy to learn about air quality in the South Coast Air Basin. They're developing an elementary school curriculum on air quality and other environmental issues. Ask your school to request it. They also provide free speakers, publications, public hearing notices, and rule updates. phone 818/572/6823 for information.
 |
 |
|---|