Sachin Regmi

22^nd Regional Ambassador, tunza eco generation

[Monthly Event] What can I do to reduce air pollution? My small efforts to combat this global problem

We cannot stop breathing, the only thing we can do is improve the quality of air we breathe. Truly said. Everyone needs air to survive, there are no alternative. But is the air we are breathing in safe for us? The decreasing quality of air is a serious threat to all kinds of lifeforms in this earth. But making the condition better again is not as hard as you are thinking. Some minor changes in our lifestyle can be a great contribution.

My Village is near to an industrial area. These factories emit a lot of smoke. Five years earlier the smoke from chimney, smell was unbearable. Many villagers used to suffer from airborne disease including asthma, cough, lungs cancer etc.  We were in a verge of moving out of that place. One of our elder suggested us to plant trees surrounding the residential area. As these trees grew not only the smoke and smell reaching our house decreased, these plants could also be used for other purposes. From the incident, I learned that trees are key to combat our big fight against air pollution including many added benefits.

We used to collect firewood to cook our meal. Government policy helped us to build our own bio-gas plant from cow dung. This way our house including several other on our village, started emitting zero smoke while cooking food. This also helped families to save their time on collecting woods.

My 15 daily actions to reduce air pollution:

1.     I own a bicycle, whenever possible I prefer it over petrol driven motorcycle.

2.     While travels I always try to use means of mass transportation, be its public vehicle or other.

3.     I am aware about the unnecessary use of power-driven devices like water pump, fan. I switch them off whenever not in use.

4.     I prefer electric energy over fossil fuels. always look for energy saving rating while purchasing machines.

5.     While using petroleum I make sure the engine is in proper condition and tank is leak proof.

6.     I make use of paper as less as possible. In fact, I am planning for a no paper day or event like that.

7.     Reading electronic copies and using mobiles has helped me to cut off my paper demand.

8.     I use electronic heater to make hot water and coffee. This saves a lot of firewood.

9.     Regarding litters, I avoid burning as mush as possible. We put the things into pit for manure.

10.While working on laboratory, I make sure biohazards are properly disposed.

11.I plant trees during my birthday. Each a year. Till date I have 12 fruits trees in my garden.

12.I encourage my neighbors to plant trees around open space. We have a community forest by our efforts.

13.Inside my room I use pots to plant small flowers.

14.I teach other I know about air pollution and measure to rectify them.

15.I conduct various programme on environment conservation and act as role model for children and youths.

I believe these actions of ours may not contribute significantly against global problem of air pollution. But these are small steps towards solving the bigger problem. Local solution for global problems. Government policies and plans are always required to solve these sorts of problems in bigger scale. however our efforts are always inspiring and benefitial.