Strategies to Reduce Air Pollution

Approximately 80 percent of individuals living in metropolitan areas are subjected to air quality levels that exceed the emission limits for air pollution, according to the most recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report.

As a result of the presence of chemicals in everything we buy, e-waste clogging our landfills, and the exponential increase in the number of gasoline-powered automobiles on the road, the thought of being able to reduce air pollution does not seem feasible.

 More than just smog, poor air quality is linked to a wide range of issues, from paediatric asthma to climate change.

 If we continue to turn a blind eye to the problem of air pollution, we endanger not only our own well-being but also the health of the planet for future generations. 

There is, however, still time to make a difference in this situation.

 These seven measures can get you started immediately in improving the air quality in your house and in your neighbourhood.

And that allows everyone to take a deep breath a little easier. 

Strategies to minimise air pollution 

• Reduce the number of journeys you make in your car by as much as possible.

• Reduce, if not eliminate, the usage of fireplaces and wood stoves.

• It is best not to burn leaves, rubbish, or other things.

• On days with high levels of ozone, avoid strenuous exercise as well as outdoor work and hobbies.

• Stay away from dusty and smoky environments.

• Minimise your energy consumption to help reduce local air pollution while also saving money.

• Leaves and yard garbage should be mulched or composted rather than burned.

• Make use of lawn and garden equipment that is powered by batteries.

Maintain the optimum inflation pressure in your vehicle’s tyres.

Maintaining the right pressure in your car’s tyres in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations is an essential part of tyre maintenance.

Tyres with the proper amount of air pressure endure longer and help to vehicle safety by reducing tyre wear and tear. 

Reduced fuel economy is also a result of underinflated tyres, which have higher rolling resistance.

Furthermore, they wear more quickly towards the outer edges of the tread, which means that they will need to be replaced sooner than they would if the tyres were properly inflated. 

Inflation recommendations for tyres

Tire pressure should be checked regularly–

Once a week is ideal, but no less than once a month is also recommended, and always before any lengthy road trip is recommended.

Inflation pressures should be set according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, not the pressure moulded into the tyre sidewall.

Before driving, check the tyre pressures after the tyres have been at rest and are not hot to the touch.

When tyres are heated, it is usual to see an increase in pressure readings (generally 2 to 6 psi higher).

Switching off lights when not in use

If the lights are on full blast in every room, you can be sure that concerns about the amount of energy consumed by a light that is left on are not among their top priorities.

However, it is possible that this is a mistake. 

It is vital to pay attention to lighting savings since turning off lights saves energy, and although the amount of energy consumed by a light left on isn’t a lot, when combined with other energy-wasting activities, paying attention to lighting savings may be more important than you believe.

Selecting to walk or ride a bike instead of driving wherever possible

Participating in bicycling and walking initiatives can improve one’s own health while also protecting the environment.

• Advantages to One’s Own Health

Exercise is extremely beneficial to one’s personal health. Getting more exercise by substituting your car for a bicycle or a pair of walking shoes is a simple method to improve your overall health.

• You have a lower chance of dying young.

Adding a half-hour to your daily routine can reduce your risk of death by roughly 28 percent, according to research.

• Walking, according to one study, can cut the chance of death by 39 percent if done regularly.

• Heart disease and stroke risk are reduced.

Walking for 30 minutes per day has been demonstrated to greatly lessen the risk of having a stroke.

• Improvements in Mental Health

Biking and walking are beneficial to the mind as much as the body. 

Recreational activities such as bicycling and walking are also extremely good for one’s mental health. 

It is possible to boost one’s mental health and energy levels by simply walking for 30 minutes a day.

• Traffic has been reduced.

As more individuals opt to cycle and walk instead of driving, traffic congestion on the nation’s roads will decrease.

• The following are some of the advantages of lower traffic:

Travel times that are more predictable. 

Decreased delays as a result of traffic accidents. 

Access to city amenities and services would be improved, and transportation costs would be reduced.

Conclusion

The climate is changing, and transportation is a major contributor to this change.

 In reality, transportation is the most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

 Approximately 28.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to automobiles, trucks, buses, and other fuel-powered vehicles.

To address these issues, it is necessary to identify and implement effective long-term air pollution mitigation solutions.

Consequently, the management’s role in attempting to ameliorate the current situation becomes increasingly important. 

To this end, it is critical to develop a strategic plan that includes specific activities that are in conformity with the applicable regulations in the field of air quality.

 These acts are heavily influenced by local policy and economic conditions, as well as by available technologies and public opinion.