Different Types of Pollution Explained

Finally the world is beginning to realize that we all need to go "green", but it is a long uphill battle. Many people still think that if they don't litter, they are doing all they can to prevent pollution. Others think that if they buy an automobile that meets EPA standards, or they live in a city that has reasonably clean air, that is all they are required to do. Nothing can be further from the truth.

What are the Different Types of Pollution?

Many people do not realize just how many types of pollution there are today. Everyone knows about air and water pollution, but are you aware of the growing problems with light and noise pollution?

Being aware of the differetnt types of pollution will help you take steps towards changing your lifestyle in order to prevent the problem.

Litter

Litter can be seen everywhere, on the roadsides, in vacant lots, and in our waterways. So many people are of the idea that " oh it is only one cigarette butt, or one candy wrapper, or one drink can, it's OK to throw it out the automobile window. When a thousand people have that same idea, it leads to a pile up of litter. All that litter is contaminating our air, our water supply and our soil.

Water Pollution

Most people think of serious water pollution as large oil spills such as the grounding of the Valdez and it's subsequent oil spill in Alaska over a decade ago. Few people understand that our own daily activity is contributing to just as big a pollution problem in our wateways.

Improperly maintained septic systems, fertiizers, leaking automobile engines and household cleaning products are causeing a huge water pollution problem.

Air Pollution

Everyone one the planet is contributing to the air pollution problem. The complete elimination of air pollution is impossible because each and everyone of us release some sort of chemical.

Many manufacturing companies have cleanded up their acts and have eliminated or greatly reduced the amounts of pollution they pump into the air.

Even auitomobile manufacturer have made great strides in the development of emission systems that are less polluting. The problem there is that the shear volume of automobiles on the road today are creating significant air pollution probliems.

Light Pollution

Until pictures of this planet were taken from space craft circling the globe, was the problem of light pollution realized. As more and more home, offices, stripmalls and other buildings are being added to the planet, light pollution was never seen as a problem. Who would have ever thought that light was a problem unless it was a floodlight shining into our bedroom windows at night?

Research is showing that extended exposure to light not only affects our health by causing a breakdown of melatonin in the body (a chemical in the body that is necessary for proper sleep) but the energy it takes to produce that light wastes precious energy.

Toxic Chemicals

Simply looking in your cabinets will reveal a plethora of toxic chemicals. Switching to environmently safer cleaning products is a choice we should all make.. More and more products are available on grocery shelves that are environmentally friendly.

Hoof It

Reduce the amount of time you use your automobile. to help cut down on emissions and save you money. In addition, the health benefits of walking or biking will be evident.

Is the Situation Hopeless?

Have we done so much damage that we have reached a point of no return? Not if we all band together and become a part of the solution and not part of the problem.

A few ways we can do this is to:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Reducing the amount of waste your household generates by making smart shopping choices. Reuse of items that are purchased for one reason, into something new keeps trash out of the landfills. Recycle all the plastic, glass, paper, and other items that you are using instead of tossing them away.

Pollution has been around since the days of the caveman. The government is making strides in cleaning up our envirnment, but it is no longer someone else's problem, it is a problem for all of us. Everyone needs to take responsibility to help clean up the environment.

Do you plan on being part of the problem or part of the solution?



About the Author:

Beverly Saltonstall is an environmental writer and lecturer.

More informative articles on pollution can be found on her website, http://pollutionwebsite.com

For a FREE Report, "What You Can Do to Help Reduce Pollution" visit http://pollutionwebsite.com/freereport

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