Why is Reducing Pollution Important?
First, pollution affects us all. Hence, the global goal to reduce pollution is imperative due to the harmful effects on people’s health and the environment. The EPA defines pollution prevention (P2) as, “any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source. Also, reducing the amount of pollution means less waste to control, treat, or dispose of. Finally, pollution prevention protects the environment and strengthens economic growth through efficient production.
10 Things You Can Do for Reducing Pollution
- Choose to walk or ride a bicycle whenever possible
- Share rides or carpool
- Properly dispose of your pet's waste
- Compost food scraps from your kitchen
- Bring a bag when you shop
- Stop smoking or, alternatively, stop throwing their butts on the ground
- Turn off lights when not in use
- Reduce the use of water
- Use eco-friendly products
- Use reusable water bottles
Specific Approaches to Pollution Prevention
First, there are several various approaches to preventing and reducing pollution. For example, repairing leaky faucets and hoses will lead to a reduction in water use. Similarly, switching to “green” cleaners will lead to the reduction or elimination of symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, and more. Given these points, it seems foolish not to switch. Also, it’s important to remember, “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Benefits from Lower Pollution Levels
Next, there are numerous health benefits to reducing pollution. For instance, in Utah, a steel mill was shut down for 13 months. During this period, hospitals saw reduced admissions for pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis, and asthma. Finally, women who were pregnant during the mill shutdown were less likely to have premature births. Not to mention, improved air quality has been linked to improvements in child lung growth and development.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, reducing pollution will require us all to accept personal responsibility for making our atmosphere pollution-free. Fortunately, there are several simple changes that you can make to reduce yours. Further, reducing pollution leads to prompt and substantial health gains. Questions? Contact us.
Resources & Further Reading
American Thoracic Society. (2019, December 06). Dramatic health benefits following air pollution reduction. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191206173634.htm
Craft, E., Draper, M., & Uennatornwarangg, F. (2020). Policies to reduce pollution and protect health. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.edf.org/airqualitymaps/oakland/policies-reduce-pollution-and-protect-health
Rich, L. (2009, April 18). Ways to Prevent and Reduce Air, Water, and Land Pollution – Soapboxie – Politics. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/reduce-pollution
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2019, November 18). Learn About Pollution Prevention. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/p2/learn-about-pollution-prevention