Reduce Everyday Pollution: These 10 Simple Ways Allow us to Consider our Potential Avenues of Everyday Pollution, and are Well Worthy of Contemplation if We’re Trying to Make a Positive Change
by Jane Marsh
Earth is experiencing record-breaking summer temperatures this year deriving from climate change. Many individuals adopt an eco-conscious mindset, reducing the environmental effects of their lifestyles. President Biden also recognized the issue’s severity and set a national carbon neutrality goal.
He also provided the sustainability sector with billions of funding dollars. Expanding the clean energy industry can decrease atmospheric pollution, and altering society’s daily actions may prevent soil degradation. When we work together, we can limit adverse climate change effects and preserve our shared natural resources.
1. Bike
The transportation sector generates 29% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. A significant portion of the population owns a personal vehicle. We can decrease atmospheric pollution by transitioning away from driving and towards riding bikes.
Bikes generate zero emissions when in use. Their production and distribution create minimal pollution, ending after the purchase. Adopting a second-hand bike further decreases emissions, eliminating pollution over time.
2. Invest in an Electric Car
Individuals can also reduce their transportation-related pollution by investing in an electric car. The vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, eliminating their generation of smog. When powered through a renewable energy source, electric vehicles may be the most sustainable option on the market.
3. Recycle
Many households sign up for single-stream recycling services. After sorting your cans, bottles, and other goods, you may have excess materials that may generate pollution in a landfill. You can convert the non-recyclables for alternative uses.
Some counties don’t accept glass in recycling bins. Residents can use old wine bottles as candlestick holders instead. You can also convert used plastic bottles into bird feeders for your yard.
4. Utilize Metal Straws
Plastic straws generate significant quantities of pollution because of their non-biodegradable properties. Inadequate disposal methods create microplastics, degrading marine ecosystems. Metal and reusable straws decrease plastic pollution, conserving aquatic resources.
5. Install Solar Systems
Residents can directly eliminate household energy emissions by installing solar panels. They generate zero pollution when in use and significantly reduce an individual’s utility costs. Some companies also make portable solar chargers, powering smartphones and tablets without grid reliance.
6. Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles also contribute to microplastic pollution. Corporate coffee companies generate billions of disposable plastic cups annually, creating a significant ecological challenge. Individuals can further protect the ocean from environmental degradation by utilizing a reusable water bottle.
7. Install a Rainwater Harvesting System
Homeowners can reduce their contribution to freshwater exploitation by accessing repurposed stormwater. Rainwater harvesting systems collect fallen rain in barrels. They transfer it directly to irrigation devices or send it through a purification cycle.
After filtration, the system pumps water into showerheads, faucets, hoses, and washing machines. Limiting your reliance on city water supplies can decrease resource depletion. It can help prevent global dehydration and improve the quality of life.
8. Use Natural Pest Repellent Techniques
Individuals can also protect freshwater sources by decreasing pesticide runoff. Rather than filling your yard with toxic additives, you can utilize organic methods of pest interference reduction. You can keep ants and mice away from your property by planting peppermint.
9. Install LED Lights
Residents can reduce their everyday energy emissions by installing high-efficiency devices in their homes. Replacing incandescent lights with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs can minimize electricity pollution by 75% on average. They also last 25 times longer, decreasing surface pollution over time.
10. Adopt a Flexitarian Diet
A significant quantity of personal greenhouse gas emissions derives from one’s diet. Eating meat contributes to the ecologically degrading effects of atmospheric methane pollution. This gas is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of environmental heat sequestration.
You can decrease your diet’s emissions by eliminating meat, especially red meat. Many individuals struggle to remove meat from their daily consumption patterns, and eating less can help. Consuming small portions of animal products on occasion can decrease your contribution to atmospheric pollution.
Working as a Community to Reduce Everyday Pollution
Atmospheric and surface pollution can significantly degrade the health and aesthetics of a community. When individuals work together, they can develop a clean and sustainable environment. You can initiate change by talking to your local government officials about bolstering the community’s recycling, public transportation, and renewable energy access.