What can I do to help reduce Air Pollution?

Air pollution is one of the biggest issues worldwide affecting the health of our planet and its citizens. According to the World Health Organization, as many as nine out of 10 people breathe air with high levels of pollutants. Air pollution comes from fossil fuel emissions, agriculture, natural disasters like wildfires and a long list of other sources. Pollution has a negative impact on our health.  Luckily we can change them! If we act now and together. We can better our planet.

Here are a few things we all can do to combat Air Pollution:

Grow more Trees and Plants

• Plant mangroves and tress in our locality
• Let us have indoor plants
• Let our ‘return gifts’ and gifts during occasions and festivals be in the form of a tree/sapling.
• If you are living in a flat consider having some indoor plants or greenery in your balcony.
• If you are living in villa make a garden, which can help you to compost and have organic vegetables. 

Transportation

• Use public transport as far as possible or travel in groups than traveling single (avoid one person in one car).
• Consider walking or cycling to your destinations as far as possible.
• Turn off the car engine when you are waiting to pick your friend.
• Car have to be regularly serviced, ensuring the oil filters and tire pressures are maintained.
• Club multiples errands to be done on the same trip thus saving our time and car trips
• Let us plan our journey to avoid peak hour travel and traffic jams, which saves our time and also our fuel.
• Minimize the use of petro/diesel vehicles 

Creating awareness

• We should create awareness in our community by taking part in all environmental related activities. 
• Participate in Earth Day activities by switching off light
• Take part in activities such a Car free day
• Take part in environment day activities, world ocean day
• Spread awareness on environmental protection through posters, videos, photographs and articles.
• Report violations of environmental laws happening in your community to the concerned authorities.

I take part in environment related activities happening in community. I have a YouTube channel and I regularly upload videos to create awareness. https://youtu.be/jpLYbaa37aU.  I write articles and deliver speech to create awareness in my school, clubs, community etc. 

Energy consumption at home

• I use the daylight to the maximum during my studies.
• Use alternative energy sources where possible. In my hometown house we are using solar power panels
• We need energy efficient equipment’s to optimize power consumption and use LED lights where possible.
• During summer the AC can be kept at 25 degree.
• The washing machine or dishwasher could be operated only when it is full.
• Switch off equipment’s and gadgets when not in use. 

Other house hold/personal efforts