17 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Pollution Output

With all the talk lately about global warming and protecting the environment, I decided to compile a short list of easy, inexpensive ways to reduce your pollution output. Pick a few off the list and do your part to help out the environment. You’ll probably feel good about yourself.

1. Take public transit.

This is just plain common sense. By hopping on the bus or (especially) riding Light Rail Transit, you are taking another car off the road. Whenever it’s possible, use public transit.

2.Walk, duh.

Going to the store five blocks away? Do you really need to drive? No. Slip into your favorite pair of kicks and hike down the street. As an added benefit, you’ll get some much-needed exercise.

3. Don’t use the drive-through.

Idling your car in the drive through, especially during peak times is bad. It may be convenient, but why not park your car, walk inside and stand in line? Or you could cook something for a change.

4. Turn things off.

Turn off your television, computer, lights, etc. when you go to sleep for the night. I’m terrible for leaving computers on, but I’m going to make an effort here.

5. Recycle.

We all recycle our bottles and cans because we get money for them, but we should be recycling other paper, plastic and aluminum products… and anything else we are allowed to.

6. Open your windows during the day.

Why waste money on air conditioning on the not-so-hot days? Open up the windows and get some fans. It’s cheaper and much less harmful on the environment.

7.Use natural lighting.

This is a no-brainer. Make even more use of the windows in your house. Draw the shades and let in the sunlight. Natural sunlight is much more appeasing to the eye than artificial lighting is anyway.

8. Buy local goods.

Trucks pollute. Goods come to your city on trucks. Why not get rid of a lot of that pollution and buy locally-produced goods? Plus you’ll be supporting the local economy—always a good idea.

9. Buy recycled goods.

See number 5. Using recycled paper is probably the easiest thing to do, just look for the recycled logo and pick it up. Bonus points if you can find locally-produced-recycled goods.

10. Don’t use paper plates, cups, etc.

I’m guessing most of the time that you use paper plates and cups at get-togethers they end up in the trash, and subsequently the landfill. Just use something you can clean and stop being so lazy.

11. Use reusable goods.

Next time you stop at Starbucks or Tim Horton’s, have them fill up your thermos instead of a paper cup. Shopping at the grocery store? Buy a couple reusable bags and have them fill those up instead of the plastic bags they are using now.

12. Carpool.

Not only will you be taking a car or two off of the road in the daily commute, but you will have the benefit of hopping in the HOV lanes in certain cities. Plus you’ll be socializing.

13. Plant trees.

Lots of trees. The more the better. Plant em!

14. Use warm or cold water for every other load of laundry.

This is just common sense. You’ll save money, hot water and the environment. If you don’t need to use hot water, why waste the energy to heat it?

15. Use efficient light bulbs.

While it may be a little more expensive to spring for the fancy bulbs, you will save money and help the environment. If you’re broke, switch out one or two of the bulbs in your house—not all of them.

16. Drop the thermostat a degree or two.

If everyone were to drop the heat by a degree or two in the winter it would make a huge difference. And will the extra degree really bother you that much? Doubt it.

17. Work from home a couple of days a month.

This isn’t possible for everyone. But if you work in an office that makes it easy for you to do your work from your home office, stay home from time to time. This goes back to keeping your car off the road during the commute. Plus, you don’t even need to get dressed for work, which is always a bonus. However, there are some rather serious hazards.

There are hundreds of little things we can do to improve the planet we inhabit. Submit your suggestions in the comments area.

Like this article? Subscribe and get Too Real articles sent directly to your feed reader or, if that isn't your thing, rock your inbox with an email subscription.