How to Reduce Outdoor Pollution

Outdoor air quality affects everyone. The smog in cities testifies to the increasing air pollution Americans face. Outdoor pollution causes health problems, in particular attacking the lungs and heart. The air you breathe is important. Find out how you can reduce outdoor air pollution.

Instructions

• 1

  Drive only when necessary. Motor vehicles contribute a great deal to outdoor pollution. Think about walking or biking to locations only a couple of miles away. Carpooling or using public transportation is another option. Cut out unnecessary trips and combine errands into one trip instead of several.

• 2

  Avoid idling your car. Even when sitting still, an idling car contributes to air pollution. Sitting in the car with the motor and air conditioning running while you wait for your child to finish soccer practice makes no sense.

• 3

  Investigate your options when it's time to replace your car. Check out the numerous hybrid cars on the market. Always choose lower emission cars over high ones. Ask yourself if you really need a monster SUV. Unless you're going off road or regularly carting large amounts of items, you don't need an SUV.

• 4

  Find out about the emission standards in your community. In addition to cars, industrial companies release emissions into the air. Most areas now have laws to control emissions released into the air. Report industries that you suspect of releasing high emissions to the Environmental Protection Agency.

• 5

  Restrict use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from aerosol cans, cooling systems and refrigerators. CFCs cause "holes" in the ozone that allows radiation from the sun to reach Earth. Aerosol products all have alternatives. Dispose of cooling systems and refrigerators properly.

• 6

  Look at building materials when building a new home. Many materials used in building can be hazardous, including some sealants and insulation plus products made of acrylates and isocyanates.