". . . The pollution of the planet is only an outside reflection of an inner psychic pollution: millions of unconscious individuals not taking responsibility for their inner space."
Make sure to have the right tire pressure. If the pressure is down by 0.5 bars, the car needs 5 % more fuel and also gives off more pollution.
"Are you polluting the world or cleaning up the mess? You are responsible for your inner space; nobody else is, just as you are responsible for the planet. As within, so without. If humans clear inner pollution, then they will also cease to create outer pollution."
Air pollution, including that of ozone, is mainly the result of human activities. The small things you do every day can help reduce air pollution and hence improve the protection of the environment as well as human health.
Air pollution, including that of ozone, is mainly the result of human activities. The small things you do every day can help reduce air pollution and hence improve the protection of the environment as well as human health.
Here are some tips on what you can do, on a day-to-day basis, to help prevent air pollution:
At Home
- Conserve energy - turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
- Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces production emissions.)
- Keep wood stoves and fireplaces well maintained.
- Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter.
- Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities.
- Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.
- Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F.
- Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Test your home for radon-a dangerous, radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. If the test shows elevated levels of radon, the problem can be fixed cost effectively.
- Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. If you or your visitors must smoke, then smoke outside.
Buy Smart
- Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances. They are environmentally friendly products.
- Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles.
- Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.
- Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
- Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.
Drive Wise
Walk or use the bike!
45 % of the ozone precursors and 38 % of the particulate matter emitted in India comes from transport. On average, one out of three journeys we do by car is only to go as far as 2 km. Replacing a car ride by walking or using the bicycle not only helps reduce traffic but also emissions.
If you have to use your car…!
Make sure to have the right tire pressure. If the pressure is down by 0.5 bars, the car needs 5 % more fuel and also gives off more pollution.
Driving with the air conditioner turned on increases fuel consumption by 30 %; driving with windows open only increases it by 5 %.
Letting your car warm up while stationary can make it consume up to 50 % more fuel. If you start driving immediately, the engine will reach its working temperature quicker.
Using a roof rack on your car can increase fuel consumption by 20 to 30 %. Bicycles are better attached to the back of the car.
If you need to buy a car, be careful to check its fuel economy. With an environment-friendly car you will use less fuel and produce less exhaust fumes.
Plan your trips. Save gasoline and reduce air pollution.
- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
- In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.
- When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
- Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).
- Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.
- Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
- Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.
- Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.
For Your Health
- Check daily air quality forecasts, which tell how clean or polluted your air is, and the associated health concerns.
- Remove indoor asthma triggers from your home and avoid outdoor triggers in order to effectively control your asthma.
- Minimize your sun exposure. Wear sun block and UV protection sunglasses. How to Reduce Air Pollution
