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Air Quality

Add Plants to Your Landscape: Plants absorb water that can help stop flooding in areas that regularly gets rain. The roots of trees keep the soil together so that landslides are avoided as well. Other than water, they also absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. The more plants you have around you, the better the air quality.

Be Selective: If you are planning to hire a gardener, take the time to ask about how their equipment is powered. It is quieter and better for air quality if they employ the use of electric-powered equipment as opposed to those that run with gas.
Before Moving: Be sure to schedule tests for asbestos, lead, radon, or other harmful substances that may be lurking in the air of your home or apartment.

Car Choices: If you are planning to buy a car, choose models that are more efficient and low-polluting. These models may be a little more expensive compared to older models that run solely on diesel. However, if you consider their long-term contributions, you will see that they are a good investment.

Change Filters: At least once every three months, change the filter of your air conditioner or furnace. Using a highly efficient filter saves you from a third of air pollutants at home.

Choose Electric over Gas: Instead of using gas leaf blowers and lawn mowers, you might find their electric counterparts more sustainable. Those that run using electricity are more environment-friendly as well.


Cigarette Smoking: According to research, three burning cigarettes causes more air pollution that the exhaust coming out of a diesel car at idle. If you must smoke, try to look for designated areas to smoke. If you smoke filtered cigarettes, be sure your butts don't end up in the street to be washed into our oceans and enter the food chain. If you can avoid smoking altogether, that will be good for your health as well as the environment.
Clean Your Space: Always keep your house or office clean as it is the best way to keep the air you breath clean as well. Schedule a time of the day when you can wipe off dusts or sweep the floor. If you pay a maid, be sure they purchase earth-friendly cleaning products.

Investigate:The Internet puts a lot of information at your fingertips. If you have any plans of relocating or going on a vacation, consider investigating the environmental friendliness record of the state, city, or community before giving them your vacation dollars or choosing to permanently relocate there.

Maintain Your Plumbing:Fix leaky faucets that can result in water damage to walls and floors. Keeping your home dry is the best way to avoid mold and mildew that are among the most harmful substances that you can inhale.
Meatless Monday:Are you aware that livestock accounts for a good percentage of all human caused greenhouse emissions? Try adopting a "Meatless Monday” campaign and expand to other days of the week. Look at seafood and other natural alternatives. Reducing your red meat consumption is generally considered healthier both for you and the environment.
Particle Board:Avoid particle-board furniture as much as possible. Furniture pieces made of particle board or pressed wood typically are made using formaldehyde to help preserve the quality of wood. This carcinogen affects air quality and can be harmful to your health over time.
Plan Your Trips:You will save unnecessary use of energy if you plan your trips ahead. When going out on vacations, know your destination and check if there are short cuts that you can use to minimize the travel time. Doing so will give you more time to enjoy your vacation, save money for the gas expenses, and feel guilt-free for using too much resources.

Report Polluters:There are laws against allowing vehicles on the road that expel excess emissions. Reporting vehicles or organizations that emit pollutants is your right and your duty. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air. This means you can report anyone who violates this right. Check for your local air agency hotline for more information.
Tree Selection: Planting deciduous trees in strategic areas provide shade during the heat of summer and light during the cold of winter. These trees also provide fresh air in public areas or at home.
Use Environmentally Friendly Products:Avoid cleansers that are chemically potent and abrasive since they can be as harmful to your lungs as they are on stains. Instead, use cleansers that are listed and prove to be environmentally friendly.
Vac Your Carpets: Vacuum your carpets regularly to avoid gathering dander and dust. When replacing carpet, investigate modern versions specifically designed to minimize dust accumulation problems. If you are planning to buy a new vacuum, be sure to invest in the latest technology.