Pollution has become a major global issue and is only getting worse. The environment is constantly being impacted by the effects of pollutants in the air, water, and soil. Every individual has the power to make a difference in reducing pollution and creating a healthier, more sustainable living environment.
From reducing waste and conserving energy to choosing eco-friendly products, these six simple ways to help reduce pollution in your environment can make a big difference in the fight against pollution. With a few small changes, you can help create a healthier world for generations to come.
1) Using Public Transports
One of the easiest ways to reduce pollution is by taking public transport. Air travel is responsible for 18% of carbon emissions. Taking a flight can increase your carbon footprint by up to five times your standard rate. In comparison, taking the train instead of driving or flying can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 90%.
Public transport can also help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Using public transport is a sure short way of contributing to less air pollution as it provides with less gas and energy, even carpools contribute to it
2) Turn Off The Lights When Not In Use
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is by turning off the lights when not in use. It may seem like a small thing to do, but it can add up to a big difference. A single light bulb can use around 5 watts of energy when switched on, so it’s important to be mindful of how much energy you’re using.
When not in use, turn off your lights to reduce the flow of electricity. Grow some indoor plants to make your home feel more like a greenhouse and less like a light bulb. The energy that the lights take also contribute to air pollution, thus less consumption of electricity can save energy. Use energy saving fluorescent lights to help the environment.
3) Recycle And Reuse
Recycling old items is one of the easiest ways to reduce pollution. About 50% of all waste in the US is recyclable. Even items like paper cups, plastic bags, and tin cans can be recycled and reused. If your city doesn’t have a recycling program, you can start one! You can also reuse items such as plastic bottles, jars, and old clothing to reduce your carbon footprint.
Look for ways to reuse and recycle old items to help reduce pollution. The concept of recycle and reuse is not just conserve resources and use them judicially but also is helpful for air pollution as it helps in reducing pollution emissions. The recycled products also take less power to make other products.
4) No To Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are a major source of air and water pollution. They do not biodegrade, and they are often ingested by animals, leading to their deaths. Over 1 trillion plastic bags are produced each year. They contribute to 5% of all human waste. The use of plastic products could be very harmful to the environment as they take a very long time to decompose, due to their material made up of oil.
The use of paper bags instead is a better alternative as they decompose easily and are recyclable. They also release toxic gases when exposed to ultraviolet light and can cause soil, water, and air pollution. Make sure to avoid using plastic bags as much as possible.
5) Reduction Of Forest Fires And Smoking
The pollution caused by forest fires is truly heartbreaking. It is estimated that approximately 7% of all carbon emissions are caused by forest fires. Reducing and extinguishing cigarette butts is another significant source of air pollution and water contamination.
The collecting of garbage and getting it on fire in dry seasons or dry leaves catching fires is a huge factor for causing air pollution, moreover smoking also causes air pollution and causes the air quality to worsen along with obviously damaging one’s health.
6) Avoid Usage Of Crackers
Apart from being a source of noise pollution during festivals, fireworks are also a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. The use of crackers during festivals and weddings is sadly one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, leading to a layer of smog which is extremely harmful for health. So, practice of no crackers should be implemented.
Fire cracker increases the concentration of dust and pollutants in the air. After firing, the dust and pollutants packed with chemicals like Sulphur, zinc, copper and sodium is settling down in the exposed areas and these dust and pollutants start destructing our environment
Also Read- 10 Simple Ways To Reduce, Reuse And Recycle Everyday Items In Your Home
Conclusion
Air, water and soil pollution are major global issues. With a few small changes, you can help reduce pollution and create a healthier world for generations to come. Using public transports, turning off the lights when not in use, recycling and reusing, avoiding the use of plastic bags, reducing forest fires and smoking, and avoiding the usage of crackers are simple ways to help reduce pollution in your environment.