Landscape photo of mountains reflecting in crystal clear waters in New Zealand.

24 Easy Ways to Reduce Pollution

In order to reduce pollution and save the planet, we must all participate. There are a multitude of things we can all do. But, here are some easy ways to reduce pollution that we can practice every day.

1. Combine errands and make fewer trips out

2. Travel sustainably

Ride a bike, walk, take public transportation, or carpool. And, drive fuel efficient or electric vehicles.

3. Place Amazon and other online orders in large quantities

This decreases the amount of packaging waste. Plus, fewer trips for the delivery vehicles.

4. Wash laundry in cold water

About 75% of the total energy use and greenhouse gas emissions produced by a load of laundry come from warming the water.

5. Shop local produce

And, organic when possible.

6. Use reusable grocery bags

7. Eliminate single use plastic as much as possible

Over 150 million tons of single-use plastic is produced every year. And, the majority of that ends up in landfills. Read more about plastic here.

8. Choose products made from recycled material

Sustainable paperless bamboo reusable un-paper towels.

9. Purchase products utilizing sustainable (and minimal) packaging

10. Purchase products made from sustainable resources–such as bamboo or hemp

11. Avoid aerosol spray products

Aerosol spray cans contain pressurized gases, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other non-decomposable materials. As a result, aerosols spray contaminants directly into the air. And, the use of aerosol cans can have a profound effect on the climate. Negative effects include ozone layer depletion and increased radiation. Plus, the emission of hazardous gases into the environment.

12. Use electric over gas when possible 

Including vehicles, mowers, lawn equipment, and all other appliances and tools.

13. Compost

Organic materials in landfills (such as food waste) create gas as they decompose. Therefore, harmful pollutants are released into the environment. Composting reduces landfill waste. In addition, nutrients are added to the soil, and it is beneficial for the environment.

14. Print on both sides of recycled paper

15. Stop the junk mail

Subscribe to electronic paperless billing. Additionally, you may find the app Paper Karma useful for cutting down on junk mail delivery. Plus, they offer a free trial!

16. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use

17. Prevent water pollution and runoff

And, stop the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful chemicals. Alternatively, utilize natural substitutes.

18. Reduce landfill waste

Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Pack It brand blue lunch bag sitting next to a reusable glass water bottle.

19. Decrease use of single-use products

All single use products are harmful to the environment. And, they produce hundreds of millions of pounds of waste every year. Single use products should be avoided in order to decrease pollution and waste. For example, avoid things such as:

  • disposable paper towels
  • paper plates, dishware, and other utensils
  • aluminum foil
  • cotton swabs
  • gift wrap
  • coffee pods and K-cups

20. Plant trees

21. Utilize eco-friendly household cleaners and products with no harsh chemicals

Similar products can have profoundly different impacts on the environment. From how products are made to what ingredients they contain, our everyday purchases greatly impact the planet.

All products–from household cleaners and laundry detergent to paint and beauty products–may contain harmful chemical pollutants that evaporate into the air.

22. Utilize personal care products with no harsh chemical pollutants

23. Make small changes to your home

For example, weatherize your home, utilize a smart thermostat, and install energy efficient light bulbs.

24. And finally, eat a plant based diet! 

Among many other things, eating a plant based diet:

  • decreases greenhouse gas emissions
  • reduces air pollution (especially from factory farming)
  • decreases deforestation
  • slows climate change
  • protects the oceans
  • is more sustainable

Together, we can reduce pollution and lessen our impact on the environment. But, it takes all of us working together, each doing our part. đź’š

Additional reading:

Newly planted trees.

2 thoughts on “24 Easy Ways to Reduce Pollution”

  1. If we’d all just do our part!!
    Our local grocery store still aren’t recycling our used plastic bags. Everything is blamed on COVID. Not sure what that has to do with recycling bags. And they won’t use our reusable bags. Frustrating. If I check myself out I use them.
    Junk mail is such a pet peeve!! Every other week an envelope from xfinity arrives offering “deals.” That is usually all we receive since we’ve gone paperless on al bills. WASTE, WASTE, WASTE!!
    Love your little pine trees!!🌲

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