What can be done to improve local air quality?

Answer 1

50 Ways to Clean the Air Bike or walk to nearby destinations Ride the bus (Metro- 513-621-4455) Walk, ride bikes, roller blade, skateboard instead of driving Plant a tree Look up air pollution information on the internet Read and learn about air pollution Know how air pollution affects your health Watch for Air pollution Information in the newspaper and on television Conserve energy Conserve electricity - electrical generation is a source of air pollution Turn the lights out when you leave the room Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible - you'll use less energy Use fans to help cool - they use less energy than coolers and air conditioners Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle Select products with less packaging - packaging consumes energy when it's made, generates harmful volatile organic compounds when it's printed, produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when it's burned, and generates greenhouse gases when thrown away in a landfill Buy and use products in their non-aerosol form - propellants used in aerosol cans contribute to pollution Buy and use recycled products When barbecuing, use an electric or chimney-type charcoal starter instead of lighter fluid. Use a propane grill when barbequing Write to the major and other elected officials to let them know how you feel about air pollution Join a carpool - call (1-800-241-RIDE) for free information on how to start a carpool Drive less Maintain your car; it'll last longer Rotate your tires Combine your errands into one trip - a cold engine decreases efficiency by as much as 80% Keep your air filter clean and get regular tune-ups - a neglected car can reduce gas mileage by 20% Make sure your tires are properly inflated - you can save $130 a year in gasoline costs Trade your car in for a newer model - newer cars are more efficient and pollute less Don't "top off" your gas tank - by stopping at the click, you will reduce fumes that contribute to ground-level ozone pollution Avoid idling - in general, turning off and starting an engine uses less gasoline than letting it idle for more than 30 seconds Turn the car off while waiting in line at railroad crossings and drive-thru windows Make sure your car's air conditioner is working properly - leaky air conditioners in cars are the single greatest source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a greenhouse gas Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator every few months - you can reduce electricity consumption 6% or more Prevent fires Insulate your home to use less energy Use electric or manual lawn and garden equipment instead of gas-powered equipment Use latex paint to reduce fumes and clean it up with water Use brushes or rollers for painting instead of sprays Keep dust down when digging or moving earth Garden organically Plant low-maintenance landscaping Stay on paved roads whenever possible - driving on dirt roads raises dust which contributes to haze and airborne particulate matter Caulk and weather strip doors and windows Ask your local Solid Waste District where to take leftover and unwanted paints, automotive fluids and household chemicals. Go solar for home and water heating - it reduces the need to burn fossil fuel Compost - you'll use less chemicals in your garden Look for durability in products you buy and use, not just lower price