How to Help Stop Pollution

Cycling instead of driving helps reduce air pollution -- and is great for your health, too.

Pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems that could directly affect your family. Air pollution exacerbates, and sometimes causes, health problems, water pollution rends tap water undrinkable and soil pollution can introduce toxins to a variety of food products. Pollution affects wildlife and plant growth even more profoundly. Although pollution is too big of a problem for even the most eco-conscious person to solve alone, there are a number of simple steps you can add to your everyday routine to help stop pollution. You don't have to have a lot of time or money to make a difference.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle
• Eco-friendly cleaning products
• Organic gardening and lawn products

Instructions

1. Drive less to help reduce air pollution. Motor vehicles are one of the major causes of local air pollution in the United States. Cycle or walk when you can, use public transport and organize car pool schemes. You can also look into replacing your vehicle with a fuel efficient, environmentally-conscious model. Using less fuel both reduces emissions, and helps to reduce the world's demand for oil. Extracting oil from the earth often creates a lot of pollution byproduct in and of itself.

2. Reduce your use of harsh cleaning chemicals to reduce water pollution. Many household chemicals are toxic if introduced into the stream system, and some, such as phosphate detergents, contribute to algal blooms. Use natural or eco-friendly alternatives, such as vinegar for cleaning and phosphate-free laundry detergents. Use the smallest amount of product that you can to reduce the chance of contamination.

3. Limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers in your garden. According to Colorado State University, home gardeners often uses more chemicals per acre than intensive farmers without even realizing what they are doing. The chemicals in these products, which are usually applied directly onto the soil, can contribute to serious soil and water pollution problems. Use organic alternatives where possible and save the chemicals for emergencies.

4. Recycle, reuse or compost everything you can. Recycling reduces pollution in several ways. Extracting raw materials often causes soil and water pollution. The energy for making items from scratch consumes fossil fuels, and adds to air pollution. Landfills, where most discarded goods wind up, are often full of toxins as well, and the air and land surrounding them is often heavily polluted.

5. Dispose of hazardous and chemical waste appropriately. Hazard waste includes batteries, used motor oil, unwanted paint and solvents. A local government website should have instructions on appropriate disposal in your area. Some forms of hazardous waste, including motor oil and batteries, are recyclable. Placing these items in with ordinary trash can cause a host of negative environmental consequences.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your garbage pick-up schedule is up to date by contacting your local public works department so you can eliminate your litter and properly dispose of waste.

References

• United States Environmental Protection Agency: Resources -- Protecting the Environment -- At Home and in the Garden
• Colorado State University: Enhancing Landscape Investments Through the Master Gardener Program

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish