Smog is a type of air pollution that is produced in the atmosphere when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC). When this reaction occurs, particles are released into the air and the oxygen present at the ground level absorbs harmful compounds (ozone). All this creates what is called smog. In recent years there has been an increase in campaigns and initiatives to reduce this phenomenon, due to its harmful effects on people and the environment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Changing Habits in Cars
Step 1. Drive your car less often
Traditional cars and trucks produce nitrogen dioxide both while driving and when the vehicle is stationary but with the engine running; therefore, one way to reduce emissions is to drive less. Alternatively, go on foot, by bike or use public transport.
- If the place you need to go is close enough, go on foot or by bicycle, especially if there is a shower at your destination (workplace or gym).
- Many large cities offer public transport services, such as trams, metro and trains, as well as interchange parking lots where you can leave your private vehicle and take public transport to reach your final destination.
- Do not use the car at certain times; for example, you should drive less at peak times, when it's extremely hot or when ozone reaches dangerously high levels.
- If you can't do without it, at least try to organize a car pooling service, so that there are fewer cars on the road and fewer trips are made.
Step 2. Perform good vehicle maintenance
Keeping it in good condition not only improves fuel consumption, but also reduces emissions. Get regular servicing, meet oil change deadlines, and make sure your tires have the right pressure to optimize vehicle performance.
- Many countries provide for the obligation to carry out checks for emissions to prevent the car from releasing too many pollutants; these are checks that generally have to be done every one or two years.
- Inflate the tires to the correct pressure to allow the engine to perform at its best while maintaining an even load distribution.
- Consult your mechanic or read the owner's manual for specific information regarding vehicle maintenance.
Step 3. Refuel when the temperature is low
Go to the distributor early in the morning or late afternoon when it is cooler; this prevents the fuel fumes from heating up too much and creating dangerous toxins at ground level (ozone).
Alternative fuels are being studied, such as ethanol, natural gas and hydrogen, but not all engines run on these types of fuel
Step 4. Buy an electric or hybrid vehicle
These are cars known to significantly reduce emissions thanks to various factors (depending on the type of model); some reduce fuel consumption, while others use alternative energy sources. The result is a reduction in exhaust emissions and consequently in smog.
- Hybrid cars run on petrol, but are able to recover energy and use it to move the vehicle, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
- Electric ones use only electricity and must be connected to a charging station to be powered and to travel.
- Electric hybrid cars are best in both cases, as they use both electricity and fuel.
Method 2 of 3: Change Your Eating Habits
Step 1. Avoid products with a high content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
They are chemicals that are easily dispersed in the atmosphere with normal domestic use; check the product label to see if it contains these substances.
- Common items include nail products (acetone, ethyl alcohol), paint removers, adhesive solvents (methylene chloride), and aerosol sprays (butane).
- You can consult this site for more information about household chemicals and their ingredients.
- Buy "green" products that do not contain VOCs.
- If you must necessarily use them, buy them in small quantities that you can quickly finish instead of storing them; if you still need to store them, be sure to carefully seal them in their original container and keep them in a well-ventilated area.
Step 2. Do not use diesel powered garden equipment
Fuel emissions are a major cause of smog - from vehicles and lawn equipment. Look for eco-friendly tools, such as lawn mowers, brush cutters, lawn mowers and any other garden tools that are electrically powered.
- You can also completely avoid having to cut the grass by changing the garden material; you can choose artificial grass, succulents, paving and gravel or decorative stones to avoid cutting the lawn altogether.
- There are also alternatives to real grass that resemble regular turf, but require less maintenance.
Step 3. Buy at zero kilometer
Buying the products that are made in the area considerably reduces the costs for transport and consequently the exhaust gas emissions. Local farm markets and neighborhood grocery stores help you understand where the products come from.
- You can do an online search to find producers in your area or shops that sell zero-kilometer items.
- In addition to the farmer's markets, you can look for the outlets of farms, wineries and farms.
- There are also many restaurants that have joined movements to support locally grown produce.
- Create a community garden; grow fruit and vegetables for your neighborhood and local distribution.
Step 4. Create an energy efficient home system
Less energy consumed in the home and less pollutants are released into the atmosphere. There are many ways to do this involving lighting, heating or air conditioning and the use of household appliances.
- Replace the old incandescent bulbs with low consumption halogen, compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, which you can find at hardware stores or in the best supermarkets.
- As for the air conditioning and heating system, get a thermostat that saves energy thanks to an automatic temperature regulation when you are not at home.
- Buy appliances - such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers - that are energy efficient, meaning they consume less.
Method 3 of 3: Take Initiatives
Step 1. Don't support countries or organizations that don't have air pollution regulations
Although European countries have done a remarkable job in terms of laws to protect the environment, many other countries have not yet developed a protocol to reduce pollution levels (Haiti and Malaysia are among those with the least regulation). By boycotting the trade in these countries or organizations that do not comply with the regulations, you raise awareness of the problem.
- You can also boycott some companies that increase pollution problems. There are some multinationals, such as Nestlé, Pfizer and Walmart, which are known not only for worsening air quality, but also for violating pollution regulations.
- There are also some smartphone applications (such as Buycott-Barcode) that can help you recognize environmentally careless products and companies by simply scanning the item's barcode.
Step 2. Support your position
You don't have to be afraid to express your beliefs about the problem and to say what you are doing to try to solve it in your own small way. You can talk to the closest people (family, friends, colleagues) or reach more individuals through social media (Facebook, Twitter or YouTube).
- Start a collective project, for example an initiative to replace light bulbs or set up a car pooling service to go to the fruit and vegetable market once a month.
- Start sharing the car with colleagues; you not only reduce emissions, but also show that you have the issue at heart.
Step 3. Contact local politicians and executives from major companies in your city
Ask them what they are doing to reduce smog levels in your community; if they don't give you answers or tell you that they are taking measures that you don't think are adequate, consider creating a pressure group to change their approach.
- Sign a petition. You can also find many online that aim to put pressure on the relevant bodies and the government to improve air quality; look for one that fits your interests or organize a new one yourself.
- Look at sites like change.org to look for some petitions or create a smaller one locally.
Advice
- Encourage the local community to take action against smog; one person can make only small changes, but many can achieve greater results.
- Make a donation to communities in developing countries to improve protocols to reduce air pollution. This means finding ways to reduce the use of solid fuels for heating and cooking, which cause smog and health problems for millions of people.
