How to Prevent Air Pollution

Air pollution continues to be one of the most pressing threats to our environment today. Though there have been many advances in our technology, much of it is costly and seems out of reach to many people. But there are many ways you can help prevent air pollution and save money while doing it. Better for the environment, better for your wallet, what can be better than that?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Change your driving habits. Cars continue to be a major contributor to air pollution, but purchasing a new, high efficiency model car might not be practical for everyone. But simply changing your driving habits can reduce pollution and save on fuel costs. Instead of making several separate trips through the week to run errands, group them and plan your route so you can get several errands done at once and cut out the trips back home. Instead of letting your car idle in long drive-thru lines, park and go inside to order. If you find yourself driving only a few blocks to lunch or the corner mart for a few things, walk instead. You'll save fuel, get some exercise, and get to know your neighborhood better.

2. Lights out! Most of our electricity still comes from sources that generate an enormous amount of pollution, but you don't have to install a wind turbine in your backyard to help reduce it. Simply turning the lights out every time you leave a room can be a huge energy saver. Go the extra step and turn off electronics and appliances you aren't using, such as the television and the computer. Even appliances you aren't using but leave plugged in draw a small but constant amount of electricity. Unplug your toaster between uses, and don't leave your phone/camera/ipod chargers plugged in when you aren't using them. You'll save energy and save on your electricity bill!

3. 
    
   Think about where your purchases come from

   Remember, you're not just buying the good, you're buying its history. When you see dust blowing off a mine, or a big truck or factory with black smoke and a bad smell pouring out of it, you know it is affecting air quality. But everything you buy had to be made somewhere, and shipped to the store from which you are buying it. Next time you make a purchase, think about what materials were used to make it, what type of factory it was made in, and how far it had to travel to reach the store shelf. Try to look for alternatives that came from somewhere closer to where you live, or that are made from materials that have been recycled or required less energy to produce. You can play a huge part in reducing air pollution by simply choosing to buy items that are produced locally from more renewable sources.

Tips & Warnings

• Track your savings! Keep a log of how much you spend in fuel for a month, and compare it to how much you use when you start conserving your drive time, or compare this year's electric bill to last year's. You'll get a double treat knowing you're saving money and the environment!
• Carpooling is another great way to save energy and money. Check local online communities, colleges, or bulletin boards at work for those who might be interested.
• Local farmer's markets and craft fairs are a great place to find goods that cut down drastically on pollution from shipping. You might meet some like-minded neighbors too!

[deborah7771996]

on 10/29/2009 Its really a very good way to prevent air pollution. It makes us to prevent air pollution and also helps us to save our time and money.There is no idea better than that.