Victoria Peak's view hidden by smog
My husband and I hiked Victoria Peak here in Hong Kong last weekend. It was a beautiful day out and most of the city view and mountains could be seen. However, at one viewpoint, where we could see 360 degrees all around us, I was surprised to see an intense amount of smog off in the distance. I couldn't get over the idea that the dirty air wasn't dark clouds put there by nature, but was actually put there by people. It saddened me that the beautiful nature of Hong Kong was having such damaging affects because of human choices.
This reality inspired me to research ways we can prevent air pollution. Surprisingly, I learned that even making small everyday changes can help drastically!
First, what is air pollution? Air pollution, caused by pollutants, occurs when air containing gases, fumes or dust are in such high amounts that it can bring harm to animals, plants, humans and materials (Department of Environmental Protection).
It's interesting but before the industrial revolution, nature cleaned the air itself. Plants replaced carbon dioxide with oxygen, wind mixed and spread out gases, and rain washed dust and other substances to the ground. It was a brilliant system. These days, the amount of pollutants that are brought to the air by industrial, commercial and domestic sources are quickly multiplying, which are causing threats to our environment that not even nature can help cure.
Some top pollutants are carbon monoxide, which comes from car exhausts, and sulphur dioxide, which comes from the combustion of coal.
Here is a list that I accumulated. Please read and use some of these tips to help make baby steps toward a greener future and clearer city view.
-Use your microwave instead of the oven.
-Use fluorescent bulbs instead of standard lightbulbs.
-Use a limited amount of air-conditioning and heating (use fans and open your windows for a breeze instead)
-Limit your car use >carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation. (I'm learning how to do this in HK! We take buses or the MTR everywhere.)
*According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, changing to carpooling can save a person over $1,000 per year.
-Avoid accelerating quickly or breaking hard when driving, obey the speed limit, and use cruise control.
-Turn off your engine when waiting in traffic.
-Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard and aluminum cans.
-Buy deciduous trees to plant in your yard, in order to provide shade in the summer and light in the winter.
-Don't smoke.
-Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
-Buy ENERGY STAR products, which are environmentally friendly. www.energystar.gov
-Plan your trips to save gas.
-Replace your car's air filter
-Buy rechargeable batteries.
-Shop with a canvas reusable bag, instead using plastic or paper bags at the store.
-Use a reusable water bottle.
-Turn off lights when you leave a room.
-Choose low-polluting models of vehicles. www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
- Use a natural gas or propane barbecue
-Use a push or electric lawn mower
-Install low-flow overheads to your showers to use less water.
-Don't let the water run when brushing your teeth.
-Don't keep the water running when you wash the dishes.
-Let your laundry air-dry in the summer instead of using a dryer.
-Use water-based paints
-Shop by phone or mail.
-Telecommute.
-Keep your car tire's properly inflated.
-Choose recycled products.
-Print and copy on both sides of the paper.
-Pay bills online and have statements sent to you online.
-Use baking soda instead of harmful chemical cleaners.
-Clean often to remove mold and dust.
Resources
Use the links below to help you research more on this topic.
EPA's Indoor Air Quality Home Page
Geo-Life
Green Living/ National Geographic
50 Tips to Prevent Air Pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Air Pollution and You- Department of Environmental Protection
This reality inspired me to research ways we can prevent air pollution. Surprisingly, I learned that even making small everyday changes can help drastically!
First, what is air pollution? Air pollution, caused by pollutants, occurs when air containing gases, fumes or dust are in such high amounts that it can bring harm to animals, plants, humans and materials (Department of Environmental Protection).
It's interesting but before the industrial revolution, nature cleaned the air itself. Plants replaced carbon dioxide with oxygen, wind mixed and spread out gases, and rain washed dust and other substances to the ground. It was a brilliant system. These days, the amount of pollutants that are brought to the air by industrial, commercial and domestic sources are quickly multiplying, which are causing threats to our environment that not even nature can help cure.
Some top pollutants are carbon monoxide, which comes from car exhausts, and sulphur dioxide, which comes from the combustion of coal.
Here is a list that I accumulated. Please read and use some of these tips to help make baby steps toward a greener future and clearer city view.
-Use your microwave instead of the oven.
-Use fluorescent bulbs instead of standard lightbulbs.
-Use a limited amount of air-conditioning and heating (use fans and open your windows for a breeze instead)
-Limit your car use >carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation. (I'm learning how to do this in HK! We take buses or the MTR everywhere.)
*According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, changing to carpooling can save a person over $1,000 per year.
-Avoid accelerating quickly or breaking hard when driving, obey the speed limit, and use cruise control.
-Turn off your engine when waiting in traffic.
-Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard and aluminum cans.
-Buy deciduous trees to plant in your yard, in order to provide shade in the summer and light in the winter.
-Don't smoke.
-Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
-Buy ENERGY STAR products, which are environmentally friendly. www.energystar.gov
-Plan your trips to save gas.
-Replace your car's air filter
-Buy rechargeable batteries.
-Shop with a canvas reusable bag, instead using plastic or paper bags at the store.
-Use a reusable water bottle.
-Turn off lights when you leave a room.
-Choose low-polluting models of vehicles. www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
- Use a natural gas or propane barbecue
-Use a push or electric lawn mower
-Install low-flow overheads to your showers to use less water.
-Don't let the water run when brushing your teeth.
-Don't keep the water running when you wash the dishes.
-Let your laundry air-dry in the summer instead of using a dryer.
-Use water-based paints
-Shop by phone or mail.
-Telecommute.
-Keep your car tire's properly inflated.
-Choose recycled products.
-Print and copy on both sides of the paper.
-Pay bills online and have statements sent to you online.
-Use baking soda instead of harmful chemical cleaners.
-Clean often to remove mold and dust.
Resources
Use the links below to help you research more on this topic.
EPA's Indoor Air Quality Home Page
Geo-Life
Green Living/ National Geographic
50 Tips to Prevent Air Pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Air Pollution and You- Department of Environmental Protection