Ways to Reduce Air Pollution

We make choices everyday that can help reduce air pollution. Below are a few ideas that you
can take to help clean our air.
At Home
Conserve energy - turn of appliances and lights when you leave the room.
Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. !his
conserves energy and reduces production emissions."
#eep woodstoves and $replaces well maintained. %ou should also consider
replacing old wood stoves with &'(-certi$ed models. )isit www.epa.gov*burnwise.
'lant 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 +ero-pollution facilities.
Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.
Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
,ower the thermostat on your water heater to -./0.
1se low-)2C or water-based paints, stains, $nishes, and paint strippers.
!est your home for radon-a dangerous, radioactive gas that is odorless and
tasteless. 3f the test shows elevated levels of radon, the problem can be $4ed cost
efectively. )isit www.epa.gov*radon.
Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. 3f you or your
visitors must smoke, then smoke outside. )isit www.epa.gov*smokefree.
Buy Smart
Buy &5&R6% 7!(R products, including energy e8cient lighting and appliances.
!hey are environmentally friendly products. 0or more information,
visit www.energystar.gov or call --999-7!(R-%&7.
Choose e8cient, low-polluting models of vehicles.
)isit www.epa.gov*greenvehicles.
Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.
7hop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used fre:uently.
Drive Wise
'lan your trips. 7ave gasoline and reduce air pollution.
#eep tires properly in;ated and aligned.
3n the summertime, $ll gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on
evaporation. (void spilling gas and don<t =top of= the tank. Replace gas tank
cap tightly.
(void waiting in long drive-thru lines, for e4ample, at fast-food restaurants or
banks. 'ark your car and go in.
When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
6et regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks especially for the
spark plugs".
1se an energy-conserving &C" grade motor oil.
(sk your employer to consider ;e4ible work schedules or telecommuting.
Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.
>oin a carpool or vanpool to get to work.
For Your Health
Check daily air :uality forecasts, which tell how clean or polluted your air is,
and the associated health concerns. )isit www.airnow.gov.
Remove indoor asthma triggers from your home and avoid outdoor triggers in
order to efectively control your asthma. )isit www.epa.gov*asthma to learn
more about asthma triggers and ways to avoid them.
?inimi+e your sun e4posure. Wear sun block and 1) protection sunglasses. !o
$nd out about current forecasts of 1) where you live, go
to www.epa.gov*sunwise*uvinde4.html.

Plain English Guide Home
Why be oncerned!
"nderstanding the lean Air Act
#ey Elements
o ommon Pollutants
o ars$ %ruc&s$ etc'
o (nterstate ) (nternat*l
o +ational Par&s
o Acid Rain
o %o,ic Air Pollutants
o Stratos-heric ./one
o Permits ) En0orcement
o Public Partici-ation
Ho1 the lean Air Act is Wor&ing
Ways to Reduce Air Pollution
ontact (n0ormation