Invisible and odorless. Environmental pollution is one of the main silent threats with which we live. In fact, it causes the death of 4.2 million people each year. Although it is a problem that affects us all, it is especially worrisome in urban centers. That is why it is so essential to implement measures to avoid contamination in your day to day!
Some studies suggest that environmental pollution affects up to 90% of the world’s population. It is, therefore, a problem that we must attack collectively. Although the measures of the administrations and states are vital, you can also play an active role to avoid contamination.
How to avoid air pollution? And the one on the ground? What actions to avoid environmental contamination can you put into practice? Find out how you can become a decisive agent in protecting the planet and avoiding pollution with these tips.
What is environmental pollution?
Environmental pollution is a mixture of gases and solid particles present in the air. Scientists have shown that air pollution is often made up of dust, mold spores, chemical emissions from factories, and exhaust fumes from cars. All those substances levitate like particles in the air!
Environmental pollution is undoubtedly a problem that goes beyond urban centers or certain particularly polluting countries. In fact, it has been shown that pollution is capable of being transported into the atmosphere, harming the quality of the air in different places on the planet.
But, why is it necessary to carry out actions to avoid environmental contamination immediately? Environmental pollution is directly linked to climate change. Its consequences are the increase in temperature, more and more natural catastrophes such as floods, hurricanes, or snowfall, and environmental pollution. It is urgent to take action on the matter!
Types of environmental pollution
Do you know the types of environmental pollution that exist? Depending on its origin and the location in which it is produced, we can distinguish 5 different types of pollution. We explain each one of them!
Noise Pollution
Although it may seem paradoxical, noise pollution does not leave any kind of residue in the environment. Of course, it carries effects that can seriously affect people, depending on their exposure to it.
Noise pollution is caused by excessive noise in the environment. Car engines, loud music, certain industrial activities, or a construction site on the asphalt. Since its causes are always the product of the human being, avoiding noise pollution is in our hands.
Its consequences are many. Acoustic or sound pollution is responsible for diseases such as chronic stress, headaches, high blood pressure, or heart conditions. It can also alter the rhythms of life of living beings, including animals.
Light Pollution
As its own name indicates, light pollution appears with the introduction of artificial lighting elements in the environment. Although it has harmful effects on people, light pollution particularly affects animals. Specifically, birds are the big victims.
Avoiding light pollution could reduce part of the insomnia symptoms of some people. In addition, less exposure to artificial light also prevents deviations in the correct sleep-wake cycle, as well as abnormalities in the biological clock.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is related to the release of substances harmful to living beings in the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen oxide stand out, among others. Even so, there are many elements that contribute to air quality being harmful to health.
Among the ways to reduce environmental pollution is the limitation in the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil derivatives, or natural gas. Likewise, pollution of the atmosphere can also be avoided by guaranteeing a natural lung that helps to clean the air and increase oxygen. For this reason, large forests and jungles are often referred to as the lungs of the planet.
Water Pollution
When we talk about water pollution, we basically refer to the physical and chemical residues that end up in rivers and oceans. Depending on the size of these, and the proportion of the amount of water, some waters are more polluted than others.
But how to avoid water pollution? The reality is that there are multiple ways to help clean up our oceans and rivers. From preventing certain toxic spills from ending up scattered in the sea, not abusing plastics such as bags or straws or even carrying out active cleaning tasks at the bottom of the ocean.
7 ideas to reduce and avoid environmental pollution
Reduces Exposure To Heavy Traffic
Rush hours contribute enormously to increasing levels of environmental pollution due to poisonous gases from car exhaust pipes. For that reason, avoid being outdoors when the roads are busiest.
Avoid Air Pollution With A Mask
If you have to go out, keep your car windows closed. In addition, the mask has become a necessary complement when we go out on the streets. Take advantage to protect yourself from inhaling particles suspended in the air if you walk near vehicles.
Prioritize A Plant-Based Diet
Did you know that livestock is one of the sectors with the greatest impact on the environment? The reasons are several: the gases they emit, the amount of water used to feed them, or the infrastructure of some intensive livestock. That is why you can actively contribute by eating more vegetables and limiting the meat you consume.
Consume Local Products
Local trade is a guarantee to avoid contamination. First of all, it is one of the ways to reduce environmental pollution with the greatest impact. In addition, you will be contributing to the richness of your environment and, therefore, to your own well-being. If you want to know the benefits of ‘eco’, ‘bio’, and organic products, and which ones are worth it, take a look at this article!
Don’t Forget To Go To Your Reviews!
See your doctor for tests to detect any conditions that are particularly susceptible to or may worsen due to environmental pollution, such as asthma, arrhythmias, sensitivity to allergens, and infections. In this way, you can develop a treatment program to stay healthy.
Check The Levels Of Pollution In Your City
You can also check pollution levels in the city you live in. There are apps like Plume Air Report or AirVisual that will help you plan your day or trips while avoiding prolonged exposure to pollution.
Incorporate Sustainable Habits In General
Try to go further and adapt your habits to help reduce the levels of environmental pollution in your city. Save energy whenever possible, use public transportation or share a ride to work. In addition to using environmentally friendly cleaning and painting products.
You may like to read How to take care of the environment from home
