Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Think about transportation
• Method 2 of 4: Change your buying habits
• Method 3 of 4: Save energy
• Method 4 of 4: Get involved
• Tips
• Necessities

In many cities around the world, smog darkens the sky and the air we breathe is increasingly polluted with particulate matter and carbon monoxide. This air pollution is dangerous to humans and the health of the earth. So how can you help clean the air yourself? You will be amazed at how much you can do yourself. Go to Step 1 to learn what you can do to contribute less to air pollution.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Think about transportation

1. Ask questions about cars. Major industries are the main culprits of air pollution, but pollution from cars is second only. The manufacture of cars and roads, the production of fuel and the emissions resulting from burning that fuel all play a role. Because in many countries cities are built in such a way that you almost have to drive a car, it is difficult to find a solution to this problem. Wherever you live, you can still take action by coming up with creative ways to reduce your dependence on cars.
   • You may not be able to get rid of your car completely, but you can try to use it less. Instead of going shopping with your car every day, you can stock up on big once a week and get the little things on the bike.
   • Carpooling with your neighbors or joining a car-sharing program are also great ways to use your car less.
2. Take the bus, train or metro. Get to know the bus and train services in your city or region better and start by taking public transport to work at least once a week. Build this up slowly so that you leave the car as often as possible.
   • Going to work, school or other activities by bus or train has even more advantages. You do your part to reduce air pollution, but you also have extra time to read, knit, play games or watch other people. Public transport is also safer than driving and you are likely to experience less stress because you don't have to interfere with traffic yourself.
3. Walk or cycle. It is even better than public transport to use your own energy to move yourself to your destinations. You can easily walk to places that you would normally reach within five minutes by car - but if you are a bit more sporty and have the time, you can walk even further. You can also enjoy cycling. In places where traffic is very busy, you are often faster by bike.
4. If you are going to drive anyway, make sure your car is in good working order. Have your car serviced regularly so that it is less polluting. Here are some things you can do to keep your car as clean as possible:
   • Use energy-saving motor oil.
   • In the summer, refuel early in the morning or late at night, then less gasoline will evaporate due to the heat.
   • Be careful not to spill fuel when you fill up.
   • If you have to wait somewhere, don't let the engine idle for too long, but turn it off.
   • Make sure your tires are on pressure. You then use much less fuel.

Method 2 of 4: Change your buying habits

1. Start making things yourself. Use unprocessed ingredients and raw materials as much as possible, that saves a lot of air pollution. That's because mass-industry products are made in large factories, have a lot of packaging, and are often transported over long distances. Take a look around your house and think about what you could make yourself instead of buying ready-made. Here are some ideas:
   • Food, of course! If you buy a lot of prepackaged food, it is good to start by preparing everything fresh. It is not only healthier, but also better for the environment. For example, if you love spaghetti, you can make your sauce from fresh tomatoes and garlic, instead of buying a jar or can. You can even make your own pasta!
   • Did you know that you can also make cleaning products yourself very well? Instead of buying dish soap, laundry detergent, and bathroom cleaners, you can make your own with non-toxic ingredients. Keep your supplies in glass jars.
   • The same goes for shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and lip balm.
   • Clothes are more difficult to make yourself, but if you feel like it you can try it and start with basic items such as shirts and pants.
   • If you would like to do everything yourself, immerse yourself in your own vegetable garden. Soon you will be growing your own tomatoes and garlic to make that delicious spaghetti sauce.
2. Buy local produce. If you do have to buy something you can't or don't want to make yourself, try to buy things that are made and sold nearby. You probably find these things mainly at private stores and not in the supermarket, because they get their stuff from all over the world, which creates a lot of air pollution. Here are some ideas if you want to buy local produce:
   • Shop for groceries at farmers' markets. That's the best way to buy food that comes from close by.
   • Look at clothing labels. Try to buy items of clothing made close to where you live. Even if it is a bit more expensive, consider buying clothes that are handmade by someone close to you. If this is not an option, you can also buy second-hand clothes to consume less.
   • Don't buy things over the internet. Buying a good book or clothing over the internet is very easy for the consumer, but just think about all the boats, planes and trucks it takes to get it to your door. So do that in moderation.
3. Go for less packaging. The plastic, foil and cardboard that is used as packaging material is made in ways that have a very negative effect on air quality and it generates a lot of waste. Whatever you buy, try to choose something with as little packaging material as possible. Instead of a box of individually wrapped muesli bars, choose muesli bars from the baker who does not wrap them in plastic. If that's not an option, choose things that come in biodegradable packaging.
   • Bring your own fabric grocery bag to the store when you run errands, instead of using plastic bags all the time.
   • Buy things in bulk, rather than individually packaged products.
   • Buy loose, fresh fruits and vegetables instead of prepackaged or canned ones.
   • Buy extra-large containers of things you use a lot so you don't have to buy too many small containers.
4. Reuse, recycle and compost. By properly processing your waste, you can also contribute to a reduction in air pollution. Reusing, recycling and composting can have a big effect on your total waste, reducing the need to go to landfill - which is also a major culprit for air pollution.
   • Try to buy things that come in glass jars, because you can use them over and over again. Plastic is also reusable, but be careful not to store food in it too often, because the chemicals from the plastic can eventually end up in the food.
   • Recycle your plastic, paper, aluminum and glass according to the guidelines of your municipality.
   • Make a compost pile in your garden, where you can dispose of your vegetables and fruit scraps. After you have nurtured the pile for a few months, you will have rich, black compost to feed your plants.
5. Use environmentally friendly paint and cleaning products. These products release less smog-producing particles into the air and are also better for your health.
   • Carefully follow the directions for use for paints, cleaning chemicals and other chemicals and seal the packaging properly after use. Make sure that smog-forming substances cannot evaporate.

Method 3 of 4: Save energy

1. Don't use your lights and electrical appliances too often. You've probably heard it a thousand times: turn off the lights when you leave a room and don't leave the TV on all day! These little things are more important than ever when it comes to air pollution because the electricity those devices run on is generated by polluting power plants. Here are some more tips for saving energy in the household:
   • Make use of natural light. Place your desk by the window so you don't have to turn on the lights so quickly.
   • Only light up one room at night and spend the evening there together. That's better than having the whole family scattered around the house and turning on lights everywhere.
   • Unplug appliances when not in use. This applies to both large and small appliances - TVs, computers, toasters, coffee makers, etc. Even a telephone charger in the socket continues to consume energy.
   • Replace old appliances with new, more economical ones.
   • Take an energy supplier that supplies 100% green electricity.
2. Think again about heating or air conditioning. Try to get your body used to the changing seasons instead of using the heating or air conditioning too much. Those things eat energy, so put on an extra sweater when it's cold and let yourself cool off when it's hot.
   • If you are at work or going away for a weekend, make sure the thermostat is off.
3. Don't shower too long. It takes a lot of energy to heat the water, so pay attention to how much hot water you use. You can start with a shorter shower and not bathe too often, because both require a lot of hot water.
   • Set your combi boiler or boiler at 50 ° C, then the water will never get warmer than that.
   • Use low temperatures when running a wash.

Method 4 of 4: Get involved

1. Learn about air pollution. View the air quality in your area on the internet. Do research to find out what the biggest culprits are in your area.
   • Search the internet, read the newspaper and ask around to gather information. If you are still in school, there may be teachers who can point you in the right direction.
   • Instead of avoiding the topic, talk to people around you about air pollution. When you talk about the problem, you can collect ideas together to tackle it.
2. Plant trees. Trees reduce air pollution, so planting trees can improve the air quality in your area. Trees produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, from which they make nutrients.Find out which trees are best to plant in your area and get started!
3. Join an organization that works against air pollution. Individuals can do all kinds of things to reduce air pollution in their daily lives, but the ultimate solution is to change industry emissions laws. If you really want to do something against air pollution, you can go to an organization that has that goal. You will learn more about what it takes to initiate sustainable changes to reduce air pollution.

Tips

• Ozone is a major component of smog. Low to the ground ozone is formed when two types of pollutants react when sunlight is present. These pollutants are known as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide. You can find these substances in exhaust fumes from:
  • Vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, planes and diesel trains
  • Construction materials
  • Garden and lawn products
  • Sources that burn fuel, such as large industrial companies
  • Small businesses such as gas stations and printing shops
  • Consumer goods, such as some types of paint and cleaning products

Necessities

• Bicycle
• Public transport
• Regular maintenance
• Environmentally friendly cleaning products and paint