Pollution can arise from the consumption or use of products (product pollution) or the production of those products (process pollution). Examples of product pollution include the consumption of foods contaminated with pesticides, the use of aerosol sprays with ozone depleting chemicals, driving vehicles, heating homes with polluting fuels, etc. Examples of process pollution include water pollution from pulp and paper mills, air pollution from steel mills, hazardous waste pollution from chemical plants, radiation from nuclear power plants, etc.
Individual Action.
These are a few things that people could do themselves to reduce pollution and help preserve our environment:.
Keep your vehicle in good condition or buy a new car. Cars built after 1994 emit much less pollution than older models because they have to have a catalytic converter fitted. Cars contribute about one-third of the emissions that cause ground-level ozone pollution.
Use a bicycle or walk to do errands or to commute to work rather than a car.
Bring your own bags to the supermarket; buy used goods; attempt to throw away nearly nothing.
Save water by not wasting it. Use bottoms of 2- and 3-liter bottles for flowerpots to start your vegetable and flower seeds.
Substitute safer products such as non-solvent based paints. Use vinegar or detergents for household cleaning chores.
Buy the smallest amount possible for your household project to reduce disposing of excess waste.
Local Action.
Local authorities have a direct impact on the environment. By managing operations to save energy and water, reduce waste and minimise car travel, and by adopting green purchasing policies they can cut costs and set an example to other local organisations. Many councils have introduced environment management systems such as the Local Authority Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).
National Action.
Nuclear power is unsafe, uneconomic and unpopular.