Acid rain might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie but sadly it is an all too real reality. While most of the chemicals and gases that contribute to acid rain are produced by large power plants, you might be surprised by the way your own habits have an effect on acid rain. Scroll down to Step 1 to learn how you can reduce your contribution to the production of acid rain.
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Steps
Being Educated and Educating Others
- Know that acid rain is just one form of acidic deposition. Acid rain is actually only one form of acid deposition. Acid deposition can be wet (rain, sleet, snow, fog) or dry (gases and dust particles). When fight acid rain, you are really fighting all of these forms of acid deposition.
- Understand the causes of acid rain. Acid deposition is caused by chemicals like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide rising very high up in the atmosphere and mixing with oxygen, water, and other atmospheric chemicals. When power plants burn fossil fuels (like coal) to produce electricity, they also release the majority of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides responsible for acid rain. These chemicals also come car and truck exhausts.[1]
- Know the effects acid rain has on our planet. Acid rain is bad for everything--people, forests, lakes and rivers, and even buildings. Acid rain causes many health problems, including many respiratory diseases like asthma. It seeps into the soil, making trees sick and causing death. Acid rain changes the pH level of lakes and rivers, killing off aquatic wildlife and disrupting the food chain. It can even harm buildings, causing the paint and metal of statues and building to peel away and rust. All in all, acid rain is a really bad thing.[2]
- Stay informed as to the steps governments are taking. In 1990 the United States government passed a law called the Clean Air Act Amendments, part of which created the Acid Rain Program. These measures created a cap for power plants that regulates how much sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides they can produce.[3]
- Educate other people. Sometimes, all people really need is a little information to jump start their own desire to help. If you know any gas-guzzler drivers, talk to them! Remind your housemates to turn off their electronics. Educate your kids so that future generations can continue to work to reduce acid rain.
- Write to your congressman or start a petition. Create a petition that pushes for fewer coal fired power plants because coal is one of the dirtiest sources of power. Ask your congressman to support solar or wind turbine power generation.
Taking Action on the Road
- Invest in a car with low NOx emissions. Cars, trucks, and buses are large contributors to acid rain. The exhaust on these vehicles emits nitrogen oxides into the air, contributing to the chemicals already there that are produced by power plants. Do your research and purchase a car that has low emissions vehicle.[4]
- Each year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency produces a list of the ‘greenest’ cars--cars that have the least harmful effects on the environment and lowest emission rates. Consult this list before you purchase a new car.
- Use public transportation or carpool. If possible, don’t drive your car at all. Take some time to look at the different public transportation options available to you. Is there a bus or train that you could take to work, rather than driving your car? If you are traveling a long distance and need to drive, ask coworkers or friends if they would carpool with you. It is unnecessary for five individuals to drive five separate cars--why not carpool and do your part to fight against acid rain?[5]
- Bike or walk whenever you can. Even better than public transportation is transportation that produces no amount of emissions at all. When you can, bike or walk to your destination. Its good to get fresh air and exercise--on top of that, you’ll also being doing your planet a service.
- Buy local. While this might seem like an odd step to fall under the ‘on the road’ category, you might be shocked to learn that the food industry is a large contributor to exhaust emissions. When you live in California but buy blueberries from Maine, those blueberries have to get shipped--either by truck or air--meaning that a lot of gas gets burned along the way. Instead, make an effort to buy local products that have to travel very short distances.[6]
- Better yet, plant your own garden. Its hard to get any more local than your own backyard. Start a vegetable and herb garden--even try your hand at growing some fruit trees or bushes.
Taking Action at Home
- Consider using alternative energy sources. Power plants provide us with the electricity we use each day--they are also a major reason that acid rain exists. If you have the ability to do so, invest in some solar panels to help lower your electricity intake. Consider building a wind turbine or investing in hydro-power.[7]
- Turn your lights and other electronics off. A great way to reduce the amount of electricity your home requires is to remember to turn your electronics off when you are not using them. Don’t turn your lights when the natural light is bright enough for you to work in. When you are not using an electric appliance, unplug it. Even when appliances are turned ‘off’ they can still use electricity--be environmentally-friendly and unplug them entirely.[8]
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Some appliances are much more energy-efficient than others. Consider replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs that use 2/3rds less energy than standard bulbs. Look for electronics that have a received an Energy Star label. This label guarantees that the appliances you buy--like computers, TVs, refrigerators, and kitchen appliances--are energy efficient.[9]
- Regulate the use of air-conditioner and heating system. It takes a lot of energy to heat up and cool down your house. Consider letting the seasons dictate the temperature inside your house. You should aim for keeping your heater at around 72°F (22.2°C) in the summer and 68°F (20°C) in the winter.[10]
- Insulate your home. It is also important to make sure that your heated or cooled air doesn’t escape your home. Take the time to make sure that your walls are insulated. Add caulking or weather strips around your windows or doors to minimize the amount of air that leaks out of your house.[11]
Tips
- Plant trees or your own garden.
- Do not burn rubbish because it produces the chemicals that contribute to acid rain.
- Try to buy fewer mass-produced items, decreasing the demand for them and potentially reducing the factories' materials used.
- Reduce consumption to reduce fuel and oil from industries process and utility.
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