January 22nd, 2011
We wrote earlier about the Sierra Club, a great organization to become aligned if you want to help evoke change to protect the environment of Tennessee. You may want to also consider aligning yourself with the Clean Air Partnership of Middle Tennessee since they offer great outreach such as their Air Quality 101 Workshop which was held in 2010.The website lists an FAQ section pointing out that there are two pollutants in particular which are of concern to the Middle Tennessee area — ozone and particulate matter. Common causes of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, power plants, solvents, and small gasoline engines. And since the mission of (more…)
Filed under Pollution, Resources.
August 5th, 2010
The widespread use of automobiles has significantly contributed to the growing problem of air pollution in the United State and around the world. While the use of public transportation systems and alternate sources of fuel will have the most profound impact on this problem, there are small, simple ways to reduce your environmental impact every day while driving.
- Carefully Plan Your Route: If you’re going to be making several stops and errands, map out the most efficient way to get around town that avoids backtracking and traffic. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, you can save time and money. (more…)
Filed under Driving, Pollution.
August 5th, 2010
There seems to be a general understanding that many of our daily activities negatively affect the environment and air around us. However, many people don’t have a grasp on the far reaching consequences of polluted air.Acid rain occurs when pollutants released combine with water in the air and disrupt the pH balance of rain water. This acidification not only is detrimental to plants and animals but it can lead to the decay of building materials and contributes to human health problems such as asthma. Air pollution also contributes to the “heat island effect,” which is a term coined to describe the warmer temperatures found within a city. The more concentrated pollutants in urban areas not only increase the temperature but result in poor air and water quality. Another serious problem occurring as a result of air pollution is the destruction of good ozone and creation of bad ozone. (more…)
Filed under Pollution.
August 5th, 2010
When you’re outside seeing the smog covering a city or the dirty exhaust coming out of a tailpipe, there is no hiding the fact that the air you are breathing is unclean. Conversely, when inside a building or your home, we seem to have an expectation that the air is clean and we are safe from the harmful pollutants gathering outside. Unfortunately, this is hardly the truth.One common indoor pollutant that is extremely dangerous and even deadly is carbon monoxide. Without proper ventilation, such home items as a fireplace or heater can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Because you are in a closed space, this poisonous gas can easily enter your blood stream, causing serious harm. (more…)
Filed under Pollution.