You CAN Improve Air Pollution – Every Day!

It’s Easier Than We Thought to Improve Air Pollution!

Air pollution – what causes it? We think of factories and power plants – but perhaps you’re not living near any. Cars and trucks definitely have an impact on air pollution (most of us live close to those).

But here’s where it gets interesting. The chemicals in the products you use every day – your shampoo, perfume and cleaning products – have as much of an impact on air pollution as vehicle emissions.

Isn’t that amazing?

A study published in the journal Science, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) included researchers from several universities.

They came to some astonishing conclusions.

Here’s the amount of petroleum we use:

We use 15 times more petroleum as fuel than as ingredients in consumer and industrial products. *

Here’s the amount of chemical vapours we release:

See how the amount of chemical vapours released into the atmosphere through fuel emissions is almost the same as through scented products? *

How Do They Cause Air Pollution?

Those vapors are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They react with sunlight to form ozone pollution, and they also react with various chemicals to create fine particulates in the air.

Why is This Air Impact So Lop-Sided?

It seems daft that something we use 15 times more of, can have the same impact on air pollution as something with only a small amount of petroleum in it!

It’s because of the way we use it.

• Gasoline (or petrol or diesel) is generally stored in containers (often airtight). The VOCs in gasoline are burned to create energy (and contribute to climate change).
• But the volatile chemical products used in common cleaners and personal care products are literally designed to evaporate. You wear perfume or use scented products so that you can smell the aroma.

Is This The Case Worldwide?

Though the focus of the study was Los Angeles, the researchers believe the results are applicable to all major urban areas.

What Does It Mean To You and Me?

It means that you and I and all our friends and families can have a significant effect on air quality – and not just through our choice of transportation.

It’s true – the everyday choices that we all make of the products we buy as consumers have an impact.

They impact our air quality, our environment and our health.

So, always buy un-scented products as much as possible. Use essential oils to provide natural scent.

Note *  Graphics are for illustrative purposes only

Please Share this post  –  it’s easy – sharing buttons below and right!

How many scented products do you use? What can you replace? Let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

P.S.  Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.

Related:

• Do your laundry the green and ecofriendly way – here’s how!
• Get rid of all the toxic products in your life (you’ll be shocked at where they hide!). It’s easy – see how here!