As inhabitants of Planet Earth, we all know that we have an obligation to the generations that come after us to ensure that our home remains a safe and clean place to live. This means that we have to do everything we can to avoid putting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The key is to understand all of these environmental pollution concerns and develop an arsenal of strategies that will mitigate them. Here are three types of pollution that we should be aware of.
Air Pollutants
There are many air pollutants that plague our country. The most common ones would include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide. That’s the bad news. However, the good news is that more and more companies are stepping up to the plate and working on ways to reduce these air pollutants from entering our atmosphere. One of the ways they are doing this is through a full understanding of the standards of the EPA. When it comes to sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, the main goal now is to identify when unhealthy peaks occur and some of the causes of these peaks. One of the ways that lead pollution is being phased out is through removing it from gasoline; and finally, carbon monoxide is being removed because all companies are obligated to follow the Clean Air Act. Organizations such as Disney, Ford Motor Company, Hewlett-Packard and Nike have all developed a reputation for not only meeting these standards but going above and beyond them as well.
Chemical Waste
The EPA has classified four types of chemical waste. These would include ignitability (flammable wastes), corrosive waste (types that can rust), reactivity (things that can explode) and toxicity (poisonous waste). Companies and organizations are working on removing chemical waste by following a number of steps, including identifying the chemical waste, selecting a proper container, labeling the waste, proper storage of the waste, and following proper procedures for having the waste inspected and then finally removed. The proper way to dispose of chemicals should be listed on the safety data sheets associated with the item.
Greenhouse Gases
When greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, it can contribute to the global warming of our planet. However, there are steps that companies can take in order to reduce this problem. In reality, these steps are pretty simple and would include steps such as using fluorescent bulbs, installing motion lights and adjusting the company heater and air conditioner when it’s not in use. Moreover, many companies are training their fleet drivers on proper driving procedures. These driving methods not only save the company money but they are also good for the environment.
Although it can seem like a daunting process to some, being a proper steward of our environment really isn’t that difficult. There are lots of problems with pollution, but there are also lots of solutions that have sprung forth due to evolving technology. Many different companies have stepped up to the plate in order to help keep this planet safer for generations to come.