AIR WATCH
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR AIR?

The air in many cities of India is becoming so polluted that its not always safe to breathe! In words of Shubham Yogi, a CLEAN member: It first became visible & then it lead to grey, now it’s becoming blacker & blacker by day.

How dirty is the air around you? Try these activities to find out. Then take the simple steps given to ensure cleaner and healthier air. 

Activities to Find out how Safe is the Air Around You

Simple Steps for Clean Air

Air pollution is caused by each one of us. If trends continue we will soon be forced to buy clean air as we are doing for water these days. Here are some steps you can take and motivate others join in for a that breath of clean air!! 

1. Use mass transport system as much as possible. Save money and save air!!
   
2. For shorter distances, walk or cycle. Take a cycle rickshaw instead of autorickshaw.
   
3. If you use your own vehicle, adopt car-pooling. Share your vehicle with colleagues and neighbours while traveling to school/ office/ same destinations.
   
4. Park vehicle in such a way that they can be moved out in first gear and not in reverse gear. The fuel consumption and engine load is maximum in reverse gear, especially when you are starting a cold engine.
   
5. Switch off the engine when the stoppage period is more than two minutes (especially at red lights). Anticipate stops and decelerate in advance.
   

6. Driving is most efficient at 50- 60 Km/h in top gear. Speed of 80- 100 Km/h increases fuel consumption.

7. Always use unleaded petrol in vehicle fitted with catalytic converter. A catalytic converter is a device designed to control exhaust emission.

8. Regular and systematic maintenance of vehicle along with good driving habits (mentioned above) help in reducing fuel consumption and hence curb air pollution.

9. Note down the number of the polluting vehicle and report to traffic police. 

10. Plant and nurture as many trees as possible and take care of the existing ones. Every tree you plant clears the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide. Have plants inside the house too.

11. Do not burn waste or leaf litter. Give paper and plastic to ragpickers and composting garden waste.

12. Do not burst crackers on Diwali and other occasions. There are other ways of celebrating festivals which do not harm our environment. 

13. Electricity is primarily produced by burning coal.  So saving electricity means reducing air pollution. Switch of lights and fans when not in use. 

14. Do not use chemical based insecticides or pesticides, instead use herbal ones. 

15. Avoid products made of CFC's like aerosols and styrofoam cups.
    
    Think of more such ways which you can do to reduce air pollution and write to us so that we can share with all at cleanindia@sdalt.ernet.in
    
    

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