Breathing polluted air affects your lung health now and in the future. Here are some simple actions you can take to reduce air pollution and to keep the air cleaner and healthier for everyone to breathe:
- Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transit.
- Reduce your heating needs by making your house more energy efficient. Find out about government programs that test your home’s energy-efficiency and give grants to help pay for the cost of improving your home’s energy efficiency.
- Don't burn wood or trash. Instead of burning debris, start a compost pile in your backyard for organic materials.
- Use hand-powered garden tools. Avoid using gasoline or diesel-powered equipment such as lawnmowers and leaf-blowers.
- Avoid using potentially harmful products labeled with hazard symbols indicating poisonous, flammable, or corrosive materials. Use non-toxic alternatives or make your own if possible.
- Know before you go. If you need to drive, plan the most fuel efficient route using free online tool such as Google maps, taking notice of areas of construction and high traffic. Avoiding these areas can help prevent needless idling.
- Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency. Each 5% of under-inflation translates into a 1% decrease in fuel efficiency.
- Avoid idling. Turn off your car’s engine while waiting for someone and try to avoid drive-through lines.
- Garden without pesticides. There are many healthy and safe alternatives to harmful cosmetic pesticides.
- Get involved. Support national and local efforts to clean up the air. Contact your provincial lung association and find out what is happening in your area and how to get involved.
