How to Reduce Smog Emissions

The whole world's attention is focused these days on environmental issues and the impact we humans have on the planet we inhabit. Since the early days of the Industrial Era, smog has polluted the air we breathe and it remains a problem to this day. However, even individuals can take small steps to reduce smog emissions and improve air quality for everyone.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce your household energy use. Basic things like turning lights off when leaving a room, hang-drying wet clothes instead of running the dryer and minimizing use of the air conditioner have a positive impact on smog emissions. Even turning the heat down a mere few degrees can make a difference.

• 2

  Minimize driving. Automobiles are a major contributor to smog in the air. By finding alternatives to driving, such as walking, bicycling or using public transport, you take one more exhaust-producing vehicle off the road.

• 3

  Drive in a more environmentally responsible way. When you must take the car, keep in mind how your driving habits affect smog emissions. Avoid speeding and unnecessary idling.

• 4

  Buy more local products. Products produced and grown -- in the case of food -- locally require less energy expenditure to transport them to your neighborhood store or supermarket.

• 5

  Start a compost pile in your backyard. Trash disposal contributes significantly to smog emissions; consider all the exhaust produced by heavy-duty garbage and recycling trucks on the way to the landfill. Compost your organic refuse (egg shells, coffee grounds, discarded fruits and vegetables) in the backyard instead.

• 6

  Change your light bulbs. Conventional incandescent bulbs are significantly less energy efficient than newer fluorescent bulbs. Switching to the newer technology will cut down on smog emissions and even save you money over the long run.