The Car, Pollution, and the Environment

The Car and the Environment

 

Transportation plays a very important role in America. The automobile is the main form of transportation in America. Connecting people from point 'A' to point 'B'. America is covered with roads that transport cars and people across such areas as the islands of the Florida Key's to under the mountains of the Colorado Rockies. Cars offer fast reliable transportation, offering drivers access to anywhere with roads, but there are consequences. Automobiles are the leading cause to America's air pollution problem. Cars also release toxic emissions that damage our environment. Hurting our environment by adding to the greenhouse effect, damaging air quality, and decreasing the ozone. Not to mention the growing smog problems, disasters done with landfill and the effects done to our water supply. Which all are connected with the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and air quality. Even though today's ozone is stable, ultraviolet rays are under control, and the air we breathe is still healthy. In the near future these luxuries will not be available if we continue to drive cars of today. Effecting the way humans operate their lives on a regular basis.

 

Cars damage our environment by the emissions released from the combustion system of an automobile. Certain emissions effect out environment and do damage to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the process where infrared rays from the sun come into the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere traps these rays after they have entered, keeping the Earth warm and habitable. Toxic gases weaken the atmosphere allowing for more infrared rays to enter. Having more infrared rays reflected on the Earth warms the Earth, raising the temperature. Causing certain vegetation life to die off, the snow caps to melt, and increased temperature. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are two greenhouse gases that damage our Earth's atmosphere. Reducing the amount of these greenhouse gases will greatly help reduce these effects.

 

Cars release 30 percent of the carbon dioxide in the earth's air. Carbon dioxide is released from the tailpipe of a car and can do much damage to the human respiratory system. Every time an automobile burns a gallon of gasoline it releases 22 pounds of carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide is also a damaging greenhouse gas. Cars account for 76 percent of the carbon monoxide in the earth's air. Carbon monoxide affects the bloods total capacity for carrying oxygen by to the heart, brain, and other important organs. Automobiles also release nitrogen oxide (N0x), contributing 30 percent of N0x in the earth's atmosphere. Adding to the already problem of acid rain, which can damage health by increasing coughing, asthma, and stinging eye. Volatile organic compounds also released by car emissions combine with nitrogen oxides creating smog. Smog contaminates city air and cause respiration problems to humans and harms vegetation. Volatile organic compounds have also been linked to the vague 'Sick Building Syndrome' a cancerous disease that has unknown effects on the body.

 

The ozone layer is made up of a molecule containing three oxygen molecules. Playing an important role in absorbing radiation from the sun. Protecting us from ultra violet rays. Without an ozone layer these rays would effect humans with non-melanoma skin cancer, as well as damaging plant life, marine life, and animal life. Ozone molecules destroy and create at a stable rate, but when in contact with certain man made chemicals. Ozone molecules are being destroyed faster than they are being produced, creating a hole in the ozone. CFC's, once considered a miracle substance, is one of the major chemicals breaking down ozone molecules. Breaking ozone molecules down at a rate of 100,000 to 1. CFC is a chemical used in the cooling process, or refrigeration process of man made objects. Car's air conditionings release these CFC's, and appropriate precautions are not being taking to deplete the amount of CFC's in America today

 

The disposal and production of car hurts the environment in two ways, adding CFC's to the atmosphere and creating landfills for tires. In the production of cars, CFC's are entered into the car system. Releasing small amounts of CFC's into the atmosphere, but it only takes a small amount of CFC's to do a good amount of damage. CFC's are also released during the life of the car, and released once again in the destruction of cars. Tires also damage the environment because tires are not biodegradable, and usually discarded in a tire dump. Most tires are sent to dumps or landfills were they must be monitored, in case of a fire breaking out. No one is really sure of the damages done from a tire fire, but they can never be put out. Tires can burn for decades, releasing smoke and haze into our environment. To deal with a burning fire they must be buried, this does not extinguish the fire; it just covers it up. From that point the tire burns within. These landfills also create problems because of the amount of disease spread from the large amount of insect populations growing in these tires. These tire dumps are not a very nice setting and cause much of a threat to humans.

 

Traveling automobiles also damage the water supply with runoff lubricants, coolants, and gas deposits. These runoffs mix into the rivers and lakes through sewer systems. These toxic chemicals cause rapid growth of aquatic plants, which deplete water of dissolved oxygen, which then kills fish. It also creates a persistent bioaccumulative toxic substance that marine animals eat. This substance then grows in the fatty tissue of fish, then getting passes along to humans in the food chain. This substance breaks done over a very long period of time that can take up to a decade. Causing future health problems for humans and marine animals.

 

Cars might be seen as a fast and free way to travel, but at whose expense. They are solutions to fix this problem, Americans can support mass transit, electric sources of transportation, or choose other forms of transportation that do not harm the environment. One day in the future we will laugh at how we would stand around and admire the deep hum of a cars tailpipe. Not caring about how the emissions released damaged our lungs, and environment. Cars have the long-term effect to destroy the environment by ruining its natural resources. Global warming, air pollution, and ozone depletion a scare that must be dealt with before the consequences set in. Reversing the effects once done is not an option. Ozone molecules can not compete with CFC's, and technology is not moving fast enough to repair the ozone. What then lies ahead for America and its environment? Massive change must be addressed, reducing the amount of driving time around America. This would benefit every citizen and generations to come. The creation of the automobile has dug America a deep hole. This hole can not be filled in and hidden up. This hole can and will endanger human life in the near future. However America can choose to stop digging this hole, we can choose to select alternatives. In hope that Mother Nature can one day replenish its goodness to the way it was meant to be.

Pollution and Plunging Male Fertility

Pollution and Plunging Male Fertility


Several reliable studies have confirmed that fertility among men has decreased as a result of pollution.

The average male ejaculation is about three milliliters. This amount of semen can contain between 20 million to 300 million sperm per milliliter semen. To determine the approximate number of sperm per milliliter of semen, technicians must place a drop of semen on a slide and, while looking through a microscope, they count the sperm within a certain sector. Men that have sperm counts below 20 million per milliliter are said to have reduced fertility and those whose counts fall below 5 million are considered sterile.

In 1974, C. M. Kinloch-Nelson and Raymond G. Bunge at the University of Iowa, studied the semen quality of men who had fathered two or more children and were about to undergo vasectomies. Of the 386 fertile men studied, 7% of them had sperm concentrations above 100 million per millimeter and the average concentration was 48 million. When they compared their findings to similar studies done in the thirties, they found that sperm counts had been decreasing for 50 years. "They discovered that among healthy adult males who were not being treated for infertility, the average sperm count had declined by about 40 percent, from 120 million sperm cells per milliliter of semen to about 70 million" (Big Drop 36).

In 1979, a professor at Florida State University, upon analyzing student semen samples discovered surprisingly low sperm counts and alarmingly high levels of toxic chemicals (including DDT and PLB's). "He suggested that environmental pollution might be causing the sperm decline" (Big Drop 36). The results of his findings triggered studies all over the world, showing counts in the range from 55 to 75 million and others showing numbers well above 100 million. Men exposed to high levels of toxic chemicals on the job were found to have semen containing pollutants. "Most scientists held to the view that changes in counting techniques were responsible for the reported dip" and . . . "after a few headlines, the sperm crisis became yesterday's news" (Big Drop 36).

In 1996, Niels E. Skakkebk, a Danish pediatric endocrinologist, began studying male infertility and growth disorders among children . He had been noticing numerous boys with testicles that had not descended and malformed genitals. A study done in 1984 examining 2,000 Danish school boys showed that 7% of them had one or both testicles still inside their bodies. Skakkebk then studied men working in non-hazardous office jobs, and men who did not work directly with pesticides or industrial chemicals. His study confirmed that, despite being normal in every other aspect, 84% of the men studied had sperm quality below the recommended standards set by the World Health Organization.

In 1992, Skakkebk and his Danish colleagues reviewed all of the published sperm count studies in the world. There were 61 total, dating back to 1938. Overall there were 15,000 men studied with no history of infertility. The survey showed an overall decline in world sperm counts. Skakkebk found that the quantity of semen produced in the average ejaculation had decreased and sperm counts had dropped from 113 per milliliter to 66 million the past 50 years.

When Skakkebk's findings became known, many researchers world wide began to publish new information about sperm counts. "Their studies show low counts nearly everywhere: the latest count in Nigeria is 64 million per milliliter; in Pakistan, 79.5 million; in Germany, 78 million; in Hong Kong, 62 million" (Wright 4).

Some scientists were skeptical about Skakkebk's work, in particular Pierre Jouannet, a reproductive biologists who is the director of the Centre d'Etude et du Conservation des Oeufs et du sperme at the Hospital Cochin in Paris, and Dr. Stewart Irvine of the Medical Research Council's Reproductive Biology unit in Edinburgh. Jounnet and other French researchers examined 1,351 men, proven fertile, over the last 20 years. They were astonished to find that sperm concentrations had been decreasing at a rate of 2% a year, from 89 million in 1973 to 60 million in 1992. They also found the quality of the sperm had declined. Dr. Stewart Irvine had been conducting a study on Scottish males when Skakkebk results came out. Irvine found out that men born before 1959 had an average sperm count of 98 million. This decreased 20% by 1970 when sperm counts averaged 78 million per milliliter.

Skakkebk "sees the decline in sperm counts as only one part of a larger assault on the male reproductive organs, which is characterized by high rates of testicular cancer, and undescended testicles and hypospadias, a condition in which the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis, not on its tip" (Wright 5). He believes these diseases are developing in the early stages of development, because damage to the male urogenital system is evident in some very young patients . "In Skakkebk's opinion, the most likely [causes] are chemicals in the environment which masquerade as estrogen . . . These chemicals, which can have a temporary effect on adults, can cause permanent damage to boys whose sexual organs are not yet fully developed" (Wright 4).

Skakkebk revealed to Richard Sharpe, a research physiologist with the Medical Council of Edinburgh, his findings about the dramatic drop of sperm counts around the world. Sharpe began researching for sources of estrogen in the environment that cause disruption in the body's hormonal balance in ways such as Skakkebk had been observing. He learned that various synthetic estrogens are used as growth promoters in domestic animals. Sharpe believes that some of the that affect of something unknown on the endocrine system, which governs the body's hormones, are the reason for decline in sperm counts. He tested this theory by introducing minute quantities of DES (diethylstilloestrol known to cause undescended testicles and deformations of the penis) and other synthetic estrogens into the drinking water of rats that were pregnant. Male rats that were exposed via the pregnant mother grew up with their sperm production reduced by 5 to 15%. "[This] also advanced the theory that various industrial chemicals were behaving like synthetic estrogens, and that these chemicals might be responsible for the falling sperm count and the rise of disorders in the male reproductive tract" (Wright 6).

Estrogen is hard to avoid in our society. It is in birth control pills, deluxe shampoos, skin creams, and vaginal creams. To avoid stretch marks pregnant women rub estrogen lotions on their bellies. "Estrogen-like chemicals can pass undetected through a mother's body, creating havoc in the developing fetus" (Wright 7). It is also linked to increased rates of breast cancers, especially among men.

"There are isolated examples of other animals in nature that are experiencing reproductive problems similar to man's, including decreased fertility and sex reversals" (Wright 7). In Los Angeles sewer systems, DDT, an environmental estrogen, had been dumped for more than two decades and, as a result, female western gulls have become lesbians and have taken up nesting together because males have become disinterested in sex. In Lake Apopka, Florida, an alligator population has decreased drastically after a chemical mixing plant spilled a pesticide called dicofol (which contains DDT) into a lake. The female hatchling alligators have twice the normal estrogen levels, and ovaries in juveniles appear menopausal, males have registered no testosterone, and penis sizes are three-fourth to two-third of what they are supposed to be.

Though the affects of estrogen on animals have been proven, evidence has not yet confirmed the effects of estrogen on humans. There is a valid argument with almost irrefutable evidence that pollution effects fertility.

Effects Of Ozone Pollution

The Effects of Ozone Pollution

The term "ozone" has appeared in numerous magazine and newspaper articles and has been a subject of discussion on both radio and television. Despite all the publicity surrounding this term, however, many people are still confused by it. The confusion arises from the fact that ozone is both beneficial and harmful. We know that the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere acts as a filter for the sun's ultraviolet rays, reducing the amount of radiation that reaches the earth's surface. At ground level, though, high concentrations of ozone can be harmful.

The Ozone Layer
Ozone gas forms a layer all around the earth high in the stratosphere. It serves as a vital and effective protective barrier from the sun's ultraviolet rays. In recent years, scientists have sounded alarms internationally about the depletion of the ozone layer, citing chemical pollution as the major cause.

A specific class of chemical compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are most often identified as ozone destroyers. CFCs were once widely used in everything from air conditioner coolants to the propellant in aerosol cans but have now been banned in most developed nations, including the U.S.

Many scientists believe much more needs to be done to protect the ozone layer, and international efforts are ongoing.

Ozone Pollution
Ozone pollution is really an increase in the concentration of ozone in the air at ground level. Because sunlight has a critical role in its formation, ozone pollution is principally a daytime problem in the summer months. Ground-level ozone is produced when sunlight combines with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide, two compounds produced by cars, trucks, factories, and power-generating plants, and found wherever gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, oil, or natural gas are combusted. Urban areas with heavy traffic, and large industrialized communities, are the primary areas with ozone problems.

When temperatures are high and there is little wind, ground-level ozone can reach levels that are dangerous to the health. Weathermen can predict when an area will be subject to high ozone levels and issue alerts according to the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). When the AQI is in the moderate, or yellow, category, for ozone, people who are unusually sensitive may experience problems. A higher level of alert (orange, red, purple, or maroon) carries added risk.

Who Is At Risk?
Some people are at especially high risk for health problems associated with ozone. These include children, who normally spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer months when ozone is highest; active adults who exercise or work vigorously outdoors; people with asthma or other respiratory problems; and people who, for reasons as yet unknown to medical science, are simply more susceptible to ozone's effects. Ozone can effect the health by:

Irritating the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat irritation, and/or an uncomfortable sensation in the chest.

Reducing lung function, making it more difficult to breath as deeply or vigorously as normal.
Aggravating asthma – in fact, ozone is one of the most common asthma triggers.
Inflaming and damaging the cells lining the lungs, much the same way as a sunburn damages the skin cells.
Aggravating chronic lung diseases such as COPD.
Making it more difficult for the lungs to fight off infections.
Causing permanent lung damage in children and adults through repeated short-term exposure.
Often people who are affected by ozone will experience symptoms. But that's not always the case. Some damage can occur without any noticeable signs, and lung damage can continue to occur even after symptoms go away.

When levels are high, people at risk should take simple precautions:

Stay indoors as much as possible.
Limit outside activities to the early morning hours or after sunset. Ozone levels tend to go down with the sun.
Refrain from exercising or working vigorously outdoors when levels are high.
Stay away from high traffic areas, and avoid exercising near these areas at all times.
Carpool or use public transportation to help reduce the amount of harmful emissions in the air that contribute to the production of ozone.
Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment or other gasoline-powered tools.
Big Differences
The distinction between the two ozone issues — the beneficial ozone layer versus ozone pollution — is extreme. The ozone layer in the stratosphere needs to be protected. By the same token, ozone produced by the effects of sunlight on air pollutants must be reduced.

Controlling air pollution will help solve both of these problems, thereby benefiting our health and well-being.

The Hazards of Ocean Pollution

The Hazards of Ocean Pollution

Basic Facts

Ocean Pollution is a serious issue in today's global politics. The delicate balance of Earth's ecosystem is put in jeopardy when the ocean is not clean. Problem evolving from ocean pollution directly harm marine life and indirectly affect human health and the Earth's many valuable resources. Ocean Pollution is a Broad term that encpompasses any and all foregin matter that directly or indirectly makes its way into the ocean. This includes everything from the extreme: oil spills, Toxic Waste dumping and industrial dumping-- to the small scael: human activities and basic carelessness. Because the oceans and all other water bodies are invariably, somehow connected, and because they account for 3/4 of the Earth's surface, they are an ideal method of transportation for pollution, allowing the rapid spread of seemingly far away toxins into a river near you! It is increasingly important that we educate ourselves as to what, exactly, ocean pollution is, so that we can identify the causes at their source and take action in small and large ways,...

Pollution

Pollution


There are different types of pollution, but there is one definition,
which covers all forms:

pol·lu·tion

(p[IMAGE]-l[IMAGE][IMAGE]sh[IMAGE]n)
n.

1. The act or process of polluting or the state of being polluted,
especially the contamination of soil, water, or the atmosphere by
the discharge of harmful substances.

2. Something that pollutes; a pollutant or a group of pollutants:
Pollution in the air reduced the visibility near the airport.


Different Types
---------------

The four main types of pollution which are currently affecting Cairo
are noise, air, land and water.



Air Pollution in Cairo
======================

Cairo has a serious air pollution situation due to motor vehicles and
industry. The city government frequently monitors air pollution to
measure concentration of noxious gases. In addition, it utilizes all
forms of media to promote environmental conservation within the city,
including celebrations like the annual Nile Inundation to encourage
environmental awareness.

[IMAGE]

Modern Cairo Traffic

Air quality in Greater Cairo is a major concern to the Government of
Egypt, particularly with regards to adverse health impacts.

What is the cost of air pollution In Cairo?
The World Health Organization reports that the Air Pollution in
Downtown Cairo is 10-100 times what is considered a safe limit. Cairo
is in the company of other Cities like Mexico City, Bangkok, San
Paulo, Delhi, Tokyo which are among the worst Cities in the World in
terms of air pollution.

CairoAssuming Cairo has a population of 12 million, The simple risk
calculation comes to the conclusion that : half a million of the Cairo
residents will develop in a period of 5-25 years serious health
problems (respiratory diseases and cancer ) that will result in
premature death. That is one person out of every twenty-four persons
living in Cairo. That person can be a member of your family, a
relative or a friend. This is caused by air pollution due to
particulate in air alone.

More than one million vehicles are on the streets of Greater Cairo,
and that number grows significantly each year. Egypt's Environment Law
4 of 1994 established standards for vehicle emissions to reduce carbon
monoxide and other harmful substances that have the greatest impact on
human health. CAIP's Vehicle Emissions Testing, Tune-Up, and
Certification (VET) component is working to reduce emissions of
harmful air pollutants from motor vehicles and improve fuel
efficiency. The program will be implemented gradually. As agreed
between the Ministries of Environment and Interior (traffic
Authority), the first phase of the VET program will test vehicle
missions on the road, using mobile analysers.

[IMAGE]


[IMAGE]

Noise Pollution in Cairo

Things like cars, and people, and the city area, with nightclubs and
boom cars cause noise pollution.

Today's Dallas Morning News (6/26/97) has an

AP story about an Egyptian government campaign

to warn citizens about the "dangers of noise

pollution and [to] soften them up for what it says

comes later: fines from traffic police and the

newly created environmental police."



"Noise has become the problem and illness of

the era" says an ad from the Environmental Affairs

Agency.



The campaign is aimed at reducing the maddening

honking that is a near constant on Cairo streets, the

clanging at construction sites, and the blair of loudspeakers

that broadcast the Islamic call to prayer five times a

day.







The government has banned the import of the loudest

type of auto horns.



The article did not mention boom cars. Maybe the

Egyptians are lucky enough not to have been afflicted

by this plague.

Cairo (Photo) (38k)

Water Pollution

GOALS

The Institute's mission is the rational protection and development of
the River Nile in a sustainable scientific manner.

The main objectives are:

1. Control of the quality of the River Nile water and Lake Nasser

2. Protection of the existing barrages

3. Development of navigation

4. Protection of bank erosion

5. Utilization of the sediment deposited in the Aswan High Dam

INSTITUTE ACTIVITIES

The following studies are being conducted by the Institute:

Monitoring and Evaluation of the sedimentation in Lake Naser and its
effect on the reservoir storage capacity and Aswan Dam operation

Study of the fluvial characteristics of the River Nile and changes in
the river regime

Assessment and prediction of the effect of fluvial hydraulic and
hydrological changes on the major hydraulic structures of the Nile and
on the various uses such as irrigation and hydropower generation

Preparation of studies and projects required for the protection and
development of the River Nile, including their economic, environmental
and social impacts

Development of the techniques to delineate and improve lands within
the river training and management lines

Evaluation and assessment of the impact of new developments and
interventions on the River Nile channel, water quality, and shoreline

Development of technologies for river bank protection and river front
improvement for rural, urban and tourist centers along the Nile

Monitoring of water quality in the river main channel and its
pollution sources for chemical, physical and biological
characteristics

Assistance in enforcement of pollution control laws related to Nile
waters

Monitoring of water quality in the Nassau for chemical ,physical and
characteristics

Application and Development of numerical models to study sediment
transportation along the River Nile and estimate water surface
profiles for different scenarios of water management policy

Studying the High Dam effect on seepage and ground water

Development of database system that include data related to hydraulic,
hydrologic, morphological changes, and water quality of the Nile River
and Lake Nasser

GIS Development and application using topographic and hydrographic
data for studying morphological changes and water quality monitoring
along the Nile River

Producing bathymetric charts of the Nile River

Producing of Navigation charts

Dissemination of information and data emanating from studies, research
results, and from publications, conferences, symposia or other media

Exchange of data information with national, regional and internal
organizations with shared interests

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

Evaluation of the side effects of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River
channel and surrounding environment Solution of problems regarding:

Degradation.

Sedimentation.

Water quality.

Water pollution.

Protection of the existing Nile control works and proposed new
hydraulic structures for generation of energy and Nile improvements.

Navigation waterway improvements

Nile side-slope stability and protection of agriculture lands from
erosion

Island generation along the Nile course

Drop in water levels on the River Nile and the three main canals

Land Pollution

At the moment, the land in cairo is being polluted, by sewage,
factories dumping chemicals, straw burning and other things.

[IMAGE]In the unserved areas, where on-site sanitation is practiced,
the most common type is a simple leaching pit. If the prevailing type
of soil and groundwater permit deep percolation, wastewater reaches
the groundwater table carrying all types of pollutants. This condition
is more severe than leaking sewers with respect to groundwater
pollution due to the fact that pit wastes are more concentrated in
both organic and inorganic loads. If the soils and groundwater do not
allow percolation, the accumulated wastewater is regularly emptied by
vacuum trucks which deposit their loads into the nearest channel or
agricultural land. A more serious condition may arise if regular
emptying is not available, as it necessitates inhabitants entry into
the pit for manual removal of sludge.

Solutions

[IMAGE]

Natural gas is a fossil fuel extracted from underground reservoirs,
where it was formed millions of years ago from organic matter.
Tremendous pressure from the overlying rock, combined with the earth's
heat, converted the organic matter into fossil fuels, including coal,
oil, and natural gas. Coal is solid, oil is liquid, and natural gas is
a vapor, like air. Natural gas is composed primarily of methane (85 to
95 percent). It also contains other hydrocarbons, such as ethane,
propane, and butane, and other gases, such as carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, and helium.

[IMAGE]

When a network of vehicle emission testing stations and a
technical/training center have been completed, emission testing will
become part of the routine license renewal procedures. Meanwhile, CAIP
is enhancing the low emissions tune-up capacity in the vehicle repair
sector.


Lead pollution abatement

Environmental studies show that lead is a major component of air
pollution in Cairo. The Lead Pollution Abatement component (LPA)
supports implementation oof the Government of Egypt's Lead Smelter
Action Plan. The government is taking positive steps to decrease lead
pollution by making lead-free gasoline available to the public and
through the implementation of other action plans. However, lead
particles emitted from heavy transport vehicles and lead smelters arc
in excess of the maximum permissible limit defined by the law.

Air quality monitoring

CAIP established the Air Quality Monitoring Program (AQM) to measure
lead (Pb) and fine particulate matter (PM) levels in Greater Cairo's
ambient air. By August 1998, a 36-station monitoring network, ranging
from Kaha in the north to Tebbin in the south, was installed and
operating. The sites are in heavily trafficked, residential, urban,
and industrial areas. Several sites provide background data, measuring
Pb and PM levels before the air reaches Cairo.

Air Pollution

Air pollution concentrations have been rapidly increasing in the major urban areas of Brazil caused mainly by the increasing use of vehicles. Policies to control car emissions in Brazil have relied basically on mandatory emission standards and subsidies for specific cleaner technology resulting in substantial decrease of car emission rates. Nevertheless, taxes on car sales, differentiated by vehicles' size and fuel, have also influenced car emission patterns. This paper analyses the compliance trend of the Brazilian fleet with environmental standards between 1992 and 1997. We find that larger automobiles had the fastest compliance schedule while popular models adjusted very slowly. Also gasoline-fuelled models had a faster adjustment pattern than ethanol cars. Additionally, we analyse the current relationship between pollution emissions and car characteristics in order to
orient policy formulation. We find a positive relationship between emissions rates and horse power, concluding that although the current value-added sale car tax is not environmental harmful, a tax differentiating clean from dirty models, within each tax bracket, could create substantial incentives for emission control in the future.

Urban air pollution is a serious environmental problem in developed as well as in most
developing countries. In the case of Brazil, air pollution concentrations have been rapidly
increasing in the major urban areas over the last decades. As elsewhere, this expansion has
been caused mainly by the increasing use of vehicles. Today, emissions from vehicles are the
major source of air pollution in Brazil's largest cities. In 1997 in São Paulo, for example,
private cars were responsible for approximately 75% of carbon monoxide (CO), 73% of
hydrocarbons (HC), 23% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 10% particulate matter (PM)

Costs associated with high air pollution concentrations in large cities are known to be
important. Human health costs predominate, and range from eye irritations to respiratory
problems and increasing cancer rates, all of which induce direct and indirect costs to society2.

They also estimate the health costs associated with concentration levels in
excess of air pollution standards, finding a loss of approximately US$ 700 million per year in
the early 1990s.

Even when consumers can perceive individual emission damage, they are unable to reduce
alone the aggregate social emission costs. Consequently, their preferences will usually not
consider fuel and car cleanliness. In the presence of this negative externality, environmental
regulation is required.

If we were able to measure emissions by individual cars, the first best incentive option for car
emission control would be the imposition of a Pigovian tax on each source according to its
marginal contribution to air pollution damages. This would allow flexibility for car owners in
the choice of emission reduction strategies. However, such first best approaches can incur
high administrative cost. As put by Innes (1996), even if tamper-resistant emissionmeasurement
from tailpipes were available at reasonable costs, such devices do not detect
important non-tailpipe pollution and, therefore, high costly reliable periodic car monitoring
would be required. Consequently, the application of car emission control policies would have
to reckon on regimes which do not require direct emission monitoring.
When emission output measurements are difficult, the economic literature on MBIs proposes
instead that regulators may apply first best taxes on the use of inputs and products which are
related to emissions. For car emissions, fuel and automobile taxes are good candidates for
this option. Fullerton and West (1999 - hereafter FW), have derived a set of fuel and car
optimal taxes which are able to mimic, at least in theory, the unavailable tax on emissions. In
order to derive a closed form solution, FW consider emissions per gallon (EPG) and miles
per gallon (MPG) only to depend on si, the size of the car. Under these specific technological
conditions, FW propose a closed form solution for a fuel tax (tg) differing according to
characteristics of the vehicle at the pump.
The owner of car model i, would pay a tax given by
)( ) ( i i gi s MPG s EPM t : =
where :, represents the marginal social cost of a unit of emissions and EPG and MPG
represent car features. More generally, we could specify such a tax to be a function of other
car characteristics which are likely to affect EPG and MPG, as well as emission features of
different fuel types.
Admitting regulators know the mileage consumption and useful life of each car model i
owned by consumer j, an equivalent car sale tax would consist of the present value of the
above fuel tax. This car tax could be, instead, applied periodically for licensing purposes, and
its value would be set by monitored mileage at that period.
Both fuel and car taxes would make consumers perceive the emission-increasing cost of extra
mileage consumption and recognise the emission-reducing benefits of fuel cleanness and
economy as well as car pollution abatement devices.
Note that under this approach regulators must know the marginal social cost of a unit of
emissions ( :). Moreover, this parameter will be location-specific since marginal damages are
dependant on total pollution charges and the environment assimilative capacity which, in
turn, varies according to atmospheric variables (e.g., wind speed, temperature, humidity, etc).
Suppose, however, that regulators know : and location-specific taxes can be applied.
Although the fuel tax is simpler than the equivalent car tax, it would still require car features
to be identifiable at the gas station. Again such an approach is likely to generate high
administrative costs in order to be feasible and reliable. Therefore, if we cannot mimic the
first best solution with alternative taxation schemes, we would have to rely on second best
market instruments. The ideal second best mechanism should create price incentives for

consumers to drive fewer miles and, at the same time, buy cleaner cars. While the former
decision is related to fuel use, the latter works through car price differentiation3.
A car tax based on the estimation of a vehicle's annual emission is proposed by Eskeland
(1994) and Sevigny (1998). Emission rates per mile would be estimated based on car
characteristics, and miles travelled could be measured by the change in the vehicle's
odometer in a given year4. What makes this proposal different from the first best alternative
proposed by FW is the lack of knowledge on each specific car's EPM. While FW's model
assumes that it is possible to estimate individual EPM for all car models in order to charge an
emission gas tax at the fuel pump, Sevigny (1998) only expects to be able to derive average
EPM figures. Again, implementation may prove to be costly for the case of odometer
measurement procedures.
An alternative constrained optimal regulation is proposed by Innes (1996). A combination of
taxes on gasoline and automobiles could be combined with a government fuel content
standard. The fuel tax would be independent of individual automobiles, but the car tax would
depend on auto characteristics (eg, power, size, style), fuel economy and abatement features.
Since mileage demand is highly correlated with automobile features, the automobile tax
would also affect miles driven. Moreover, additional incentives could be created. In a
dynamic setting, a car sale tax could be partially returned to consumers as incentive for
scrapping older models according to the abbreviation of the car's useful life5.
For the previous mechanism, a subsidy for pollution control equipment is relatively simple to
define since control equipment such as catalytic converters and filters are directly observable.
The same applies for fuel, insofar as that emissions will rise more or less proportionately with
fuel consumption for a given vehicle and given driving conditions6. On the other hand, a tax
on car characteristics requires a periodic identification of the relationship between car
characteristics and emissions.
In general, market based instruments are difficult to implement and regulators wishing to
apply them would have to combine tax schemes with technological and emission standards.
This approach does not maximise social welfare by setting optimal levels of pollution.
Rather, the aim is to use pricing mechanisms to increase cost-effectiveness in achieving a
certain standard compliance regarded as desirable7. That is, once environmental goals are
defined, economic instruments can reduce the social costs of achieving them. The rationale is
rather simple. Since users face different marginal control cost schedules, pollution taxes
varying directly with users' pollution levels will make users adopt control levels up to the
point where pollution control costs are equal, at the margin, to non-compliance tax costs.
Taxes are set at certain level which will make the maximised individual decisions, in
aggregate, to meet the desirable standards. Society will first start to control from the leastcost
users which will reduce total control cost. In this case, individual emission standards are
3 See Johnstone and Karousakis (1998) for a review.
4 This tax would take the form of Annual tax =, VMT cEPM bEPM aEPM * ) ( 3 2 1 + + where EPM is the emission
per mile, VMT is the vehicle mile traveled and a, b, c are tax rates set to induce the desired level of abatement
for each pollutant.
5 Road fees, varying with air pollution concentration levels and car's characteristics, are also regarded as
possible second best options, although they may induce longer travel distances to avoid charges.
6 See Seroa da Motta and Mendes (1996) for an analysis of fuel taxation in Brazil.
7 Desirable here may mean either one standard politically acceptable or targeted at one specific damage. In the
case of urban pollution, human health damages are usually targeted.
CREED Working Paper Series No 29 4
dropped out and regulators become only concerned with ambient standards which reflect total
emissions.
Instead of setting prices, regulators may distribute pollution permits to users, as a share of the
desired total emission targets and allow these permits to be traded among users. This
mechanism creates incentives for achieving the same marginal cost equalising outcome given
the competitive structure of the prices emerging from the permit market transactions.
Apart from cost-effectiveness benefits, such economic instruments can generate revenue. In
the case of pricing mechanisms, note that users with non-compliance will face the respective
tax costs and thereby generate a tax revenue. In the case of tradable permits, they can be
distributed through auctioning mechanisms8.
Car emission control policy in Brazil is basically defined on mandatory emission standards.
Since 1988 the Brazilian governmental authorities have implemented a regulatory mechanism
called The Vehicle Air Pollution Control Programme (PROCONVE), establishing maximum
pollution emission standards (in grams per kilometer) for new vehicles entering the market.
The program has been very successful in reducing emissions per kilometer for new car
models. Nevertheless, as with any command and control approach, it is inflexible and
increases the costs of reducing pollution.
This paper analyses the evolution of average emissions in the Brazilian fleet between 1992
and 1997 (the final compliance date). Together with environmental policy, car tax structures
have been differentiated by car characteristics such as size and fuel use, in order to
accommodate sectoral policy aims. Therefore, government initiatives have affected the car
market and consequently the emission pattern of new automobiles. We try to relate these
sectoral policies with the average emission compliance trends comparing the average
emission changes across car sizes and fuel types. Additionally, we analyse the present
relationship between pollution emissions and car characteristics in order to orient current
policy formulation. Our analysis is based on emission data recorded from laboratory tests
undertaken by the São Paulo Environmental Agency (CETESB) which electronically
measures emissions of HC, CO and NOx for each car model along with the model's
characteristics.
The rest of this paper is structured as follows: the next section presents the Brazilian
regulatory framework for car pollution control and the car tax structure. This is followed by a
description of our database and model characteristics. Section 4 presents the econometric
results; concluding remarks and policy recommendations are discussed in the final section.
8 Cost-effectiveness of permits does not depend on permit auctioning. Freely distributed permits have different
equity effects, although they are equally cost-effective if transactions costs are assumed not constrained.

Pollution and Environment - Air Pollution

Air Pollution

 

Air Pollution is not a new topic. It is a problem that we have noticed since the industrial revolution, when trees, houses and cars were covered in soot from the factories. People demanded change then, just as they are demanding it now. With all the talk of acid rain, global warming and ozone depletion it seems hopeless, but it isn't. Everyone can make a difference. After reading this you will understand the causes, effects and possible solutions to the problems of acid rain, global warming and ozone depletion. You will also see that things are bad but not hopeless.

 

Acid Rain is the term given to any precipitation that is above normal acidity, this includes snow and fog. The acidity or causticity of a solution is measured in pH. A neutral pH is 7, acidic is lower then 7 and a base is greater than 7. The normal pH of rainwater is 5.5 (slightly acidic). In Scotland on April 20, 1974 the rain measured 2.4 and in West Virginia in 1978 the rain had a pH of 2.0! This was in the 70's and air pollution since then hasn't gotten any better. This very highly acidic rain kills plants and animals and destroys buildings.

 

Acid rain occurs when the moisture in the air mixes with Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulphur gases. These gases are released into the air by the burning of fossil fuels (natural gas, coal and oil). The primary source of the gases comes from electric companies that burn coal.

 

Damage caused by acid rain is tremendous. The acid in the rain bonds with the minerals in the soil, tying them up so that plants can not use them. The plant becomes mineral deficient and weak. The rain also kills the plant's leaves, further weakening it and making the plant more susceptible to fungus and other diseases. This is a major agricultural problem.

The rain effects lakes, rivers and the animals living within them. The plants in the lakes and rivers are killed in the same way as land plants. The fish and other animals are left with no food. The animals that do survive are killed from the metals being drawn into the water from the soil, when the acid bonds to them.

 

Many architectural structures are destroyed from the acid rain. Most of the cement used to make our buildings. are made from lime which is very reactive with acid. You can see the effects of this weathering if you look at old gravestones or statues. The words etched in some of the gravestones can barely be read anymore because they are so worn away. Weathering is a natural process. Rain is normally slightly acidic but because of air pollution and the higher acidity of the rain, the process is sped up greatly.

 

Industry is looking for solutions to the air pollution problem. The best solution would be to stop burning fossil fuels all together but at this time we have no other alternatives. Scientists are trying ways to cut down on pollution. One way is to wash the coal before they burn it. Washing it takes off most of the sulphur but not all of it. The rest would have to be removed chemically but this process is still being researched. The problem with this is what to do with all the excess sulphur. Another solution is to clean the smoke before it is released into the air. Many filters have been installed in smoke stacks but again this solution is not 100% effective.

 

Another major environmental problem caused by air pollution is global warming or the "greenhouse effect". The greenhouse effect is caused by solar energy being trapped by CO2, Methane, Ozone (O3), Nitrous gas, and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that are in the air. The solar energy comes into the atmosphere as light, it hits the Earth, looses some of its energy and becomes heat. Because the heat does not have as much energy it can not penetrate back through the blanket of gases. The Earth has a natural greenhouse effect caused by the CO2 in the atmosphere. If we didn't have this natural greenhouse effect, the Earth would be too cold to live on. We have increased this effect through the release of all the gases I have mentioned above.

 

CO2 is released into the air from factories and from the exhausts of cars. Some of this CO2 in the atmosphere is used when the plants make their food but with many of our forests being cut down it makes our problems worse. CFCs are released into the air from aerosol cans. They are also used in air conditioners and refrigerators and leak from these places. Ozone is created when the sunlight strikes nitrogen oxide from car exhaust and the oxygen from it bonds with oxygen gas. Ozone is a very toxic gas and is good at filtering out UV light in the stratosphere but is bad for us when it is in the lower atmosphere.

 

Some people may wonder why global warming is bad. Who wouldn't want summer year around? The reason it is bad is because it wouldn't stop at a comfortable warm all year around. The winters would be warm and the summers would be unbearably hot! Some scientists believe that if the trend continues and becomes worse, we will have to abandon the southern areas and keep moving north to escape the heat. Many places will become dry arid dessert. This great warming also brings up the idea of what will happen to all the ice at the poles? With the temperature rising, the ice will melt and sea levels will rise significantly. Most of our costal land is only a few feet above sea level. A rise would flood all of it including most of the state of Florida!

 

The average yearly temperature has been going up by .5 degrees Celsius. This is much lower than what scientists have predicted and some say that this proves there is no such thing as global warming. The reason for this is that the air pollution surrounding the earth is having two effects. One is the warming and the trapping of the heat in the atmosphere and the other is keeping the heat out. Most of the sunlight is getting in and once it is in it stays in but the pollution is also acting like a shield and deflecting some of the light so it never enters the atmosphere. The prevailing trend, although, will be a warming because not enough light will be deflected.

 

We can slow down the greenhouse and maybe even stop it by slowing down and stopping the release of the greenhouse gases. One of the ways this is being done is by putting the catalytic converter on cars. The device goes on the exhaust pipe of the car and reduces the amount of CO2 that is released into the atmosphere. Another way is to control the use of CFCs. Aerosol cans are supposed to be banned by the year 2000 and they are working on new coolants for refrigerators and air conditioners. We can also slow down the rate of deforestation and plant more trees.

 

The last major environmental problem caused by air pollution is ozone depletion. As mentioned before ozone is three oxygen molecules (O3). It is concentrated in the stratosphere about 20-25 km above the earth's surface. Ozone is what protects us from shriveling up under the sun's powerful rays. It blocks out the harmful ultraviolet (UV) light which causes skin cancer. Two major holes have been discovered in the ozone layer: a large one above the south pole and a smaller one above the north pole. These two areas have absolutely no protection from UV light.

 

CFCs, as mentioned before, are commonly used in aerosol cans, air conditioners, and refrigerators. They do not break down in the lower atmosphere and are carried up into the stratosphere. Ozone is a very unstable molecule and reacts readily with the Chlorine in the CFC compound. When a CFC compound is hit by ultraviolet radiation it frees one of the chlorine atoms. The chlorine reacts with one of the oxygen atoms in an ozone compound forming a chlorine monoxide and oxygen gas (O2). A second reaction then releases the chlorine again so it can react with another ozone molecule. The two poles are where these gases collect because of wind currents and this is why the two holes in the ozone are located there. Another pollutant that is destroying the ozone is Nitrous gas. It is released from jet engine's exhaust. The high flying jets put the pollutants right where they need to be to cause the destruction.

 

Some of the solutions to help slow the depletion is to use hydro- fluorocarbons (HFCs) instead of CFCs, cutting down on the use of CFCs, and using alternative jet fuel which doesn't release Nitrous gas. Ozone is constantly being created. The reason we have a problem is that it is being destroyed at a much faster rate then it is replenishing itself. All we need to do is slow down the emission of these gases. This will give the ozone time to repair itself. Then we need to keep the emissions low so that this problem will not reoccur.

 

These problems may seem serious and they are but for right now they are not irreversible. We can do some everyday things that will help the environment. Make sure that you only have lights on in the room you are in. If you turn lights off as you leave a room and don't leave every light in the house on, less electricity has to be produced at Detroit Edison, that means less coal will be burned and less CO2 and the other gases will be produced and released into the air. Another easy way to help is to plant a tree in your yard or to get involved in a tree planting program. Buy pump bottles instead of aerosol cans or you can car pool to school or work. There is no reason why you should have to drive alone when you know about 10 people who are going to the same place you are every single day. Drive slower, this may seem like an odd one but the faster you go the faster your engine works, the more fuel it uses and the more gases that are being put into the air. Just by driving the speed limit or five under you can help to save the environment.

Pollution and Environment - Water Pollution

Water Pollution

 

Water pollution is increasingly becoming a large problem that we as humans need to confront. Water is our most valuable resource. Just think of how much we humans are dependent upon clean water. Water is way more valuable than gold, what can you go a day, week, year with out, gold or water? Besides the fact that we drink the water, we use it for irrigation of farm fields, cooking, washing clothes, flushing toilets, etc. and every industrial process requires water to function. Everyone knows that the Earth's surface is covered by 70% water, so why fuss of protecting water? Only 3% of all water is fresh and drinkable and of that 3%, 75% is frozen, which leaves a grand total of only 1% of the Earth's surface water that is readily available for consumption. After taking that fact into account, one can see why the conservation and protection of our remaining water supply is so vital. Before water pollution can be stopped, the sources of the pollution must be known.

 

The major sources of water pollution are organic pollution, agricultural pollution, runoff, toxic waste, and thermal pollution. Organic pollution is becoming more and more pressing on the environment, because of the growing population of the world. It's a simple concept, the more people there are in one area, the more waste they will produce. For example, in a city there are so many people that the sewage plants and the environment can't take care of all of the waste and function in its usual manner. The sewage plants do their best, but the secondary discharge that gets into the water supply causes great problems. The excess waste acts as a fertilizer or food source for algae and the growth rate is uncontrollable. Everyone has been in a lake where there is a lot of dead algae on the shore and the water is clouded with algae. This situation is known as eutrophication, where algae growth is out of control and the water becomes oxygen depleted. There are natural cycles of eutrophication in the spring and fall, but the body of water can deal with those amounts. When excess waste is added to the water the body of water can no longer control the growth of the algae and the water soon becomes algae ridden and oxygen depleted. The water becomes oxygen depleted, because the dead algae goes to the bottom and uses the oxygen in the deeper water to decompose, but if there is too much dead algae all the oxygen is depleted. Oxygen from the surface doesn't reach the bottom, because the warmer water is less dense than the deeper cooler water, therefor the warmer water floats on the colder water and they never mix, much like oil and water. Soon the dead algae piles upon itself and makes the lake shallower, until it totally fills in and dries up.

 

Eutrophication effects all bodies of water, great and small. In the summer of 1971 at the Chicago South Water Filtration Plant on the coast of Lake Michigan, the filters were clogged with so much algae it had to be removed by hand. In the winter the turbidity(sediment in the water) was so high that the water wasn't drinkable. In a third case, the water smelled and tasted like dead fish and huge amounts of chlorine had to be added to make the water drinkable. If eutrophication can happen in lakes like Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, than no lake is safe. When eutrophication become extreme the water isn't usable any more. To stop the eutrophication of our lakes we need to devise a better system to treat sewage so it can be reused or released back into the environment without a catastrophic reaction. Currently there are some new systems that take raw sewage and convert it into usable water through biological means. The plant takes the water and feeds it to various plants. The nutrients are taken from the waste and used to grow plants. The excess water becomes clean after a four day operation. This idea is like controlled eutrophication where the plants are feed the excess nutrients to get plant growth instead of algae growth. This has only be attempted on a small scale. In the future if this could be done on a large scale the plants that are feed the waste to clean the water could be used as a food source. This idea isn't very new, infact, it is millions of years old. Basically the new sewage plant is an artificial wetland.

 

A wetland as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, "a lowland area, such as a marsh or swamp, that is saturated with moisture, especially when thought of as the natural habitat for wildlife." Wetlands perform a very important function in nature. First off they provide habitat for a high percentage of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. The survival of the species depends upon the survival of the wetland. When wetlands are reduced the population of water foul, fish, and animals reduces drastically. Not only are they just a home for the animals, they serve as a purification system. Water moves slowly through the wetland and the soil and the plants pick up the nutrients and contaminants and clean the water. They serve as a large filter, dirty water passes into the wetland and clean water is the final result. Wetlands also serve as water retention and flood prevention areas. If there were no wetlands all the water that is in the wetlands and the rain and snow would flood into our cities and neighborhoods. All the excess water is held in the wetlands were it is purified and slowly dispersed. Wetland act as an erosion control along coastlines and prevent wind erosion. They also safeguard that the soil will keep its nutrients. Wetlands are economically important also. Over 95% of the fish and shellfish that the US commercial industry harvest are dependent on the wetlands. Sport fishermen spend large amounts of money on fishing equipment and licensees. Valuable timber is harvested from the many forested wetland. Fur bearing mammals and alligators are harvested in wetlands. The vegetation of the wetlands can also be harvested. The US hasn't taken advantage of this option yet, but other countries such as China do. As one can see there are countless reasons for the preservation of wetlands. Wetlands need to be protected and preserved for the future. Another type of water pollution is one most people don't really think about, runoff.

 

Rainfall, snowmelt and irrigation cleanse the surface of the Earth. Any pollutants that are on the ground will eventually come in contact with water. So what? The water is just cleaning the streets and everything it comes in contact with, right? Wrong, the water picks up everything that is in it's path. This can range from pieces of food to motor oil to fertilizer or any pollutants that might lie on the millions of roads and expressways of the US. Now the polluted water makes its down fall into the ground water, which intern ends up in nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. This means that any pollutant left on the ground will eventually end up as contamination of the water supply. We need this water to drink and we use the rivers and lakes as recreation. Water runoff presents a major problem.

 

Polluted water runoff is hard to calculate, but some attribute as high as 80% to runoff. Most people think that only the big companies are to blame for the poor quality of water, but that isn't so. The large companies are regulated by the Clean Water Act. There is no way to control the amount of pollution that is taken by water runoff. Police can not find everyone that has spread their old motor oil on their driveway to keep the dust down or keep track of how often people fertilize their lawn. This is much more difficult to detect and prevent. This comes down to each persons own values and environmental values. Each individual is responsable for their actions and there is no way to police that. The average person doesn't cause any large quantities of water pollution, it comes from an unlikely source.

 

Larger sources of runoff pollutants come from farms and pastures. On the farms all the excess fertilizer gets into the streams and ends up in the lakes. When the fertilizer reaches the lake or stream, it cause eutrophication to occur. This means that less fish can survive and the water will go from clear to cloudy. No one wants to swim in water that you can't see your feet in. Another problem farms present is the loss of soil and sediment in rivers. The precious soil is stolen by erosion and carried off in the rivers. The lose of the soil is bad enough, but the horrible part is that along with the soil goes all of the fertilizer, pesticides and herbicide used on the fields. In other words, any chemical put on the crops to prevent animals or bugs from eating them ends up in the water we drink. In the 1960's and 1970's the pesticide DDT was heavily used. This chemical was applied on the farms and runoff took it to the lakes. The plants absorbed the DDT and then the herbivores ate the plants. The carnivores ate the herbivores and the second carnivore(Humans or birds) eat them. As the DDT moves up the food chain it intensifies and the concentration is very dense by the time it reaches the carnivores. What goes on the farm ends up in our food, one way or the other.

 

On ranches the problem becomes the excess of excretion from the cattle.(25,000 cattle produce 300,000 gallons of waste a day) All of this urine and manure goes straight to the ground water and right back to the rivers and lakes. At least the human waste is sent to a sewage system, which does some good. This cattle waste is being sent straight to the water supply, untreated. In Oregon, Tallamook Bay is closed to oyster growing at certin times of the year, because of the high levels of contamination from the cattle. Where do we draw the line?

 

Polluted runoff is hard to control. Currently there are efforts being taken to stop polluted runoff from entering the water supply, but they are all on a voluntary basis. Most people will help, but what of the others? Legislation needs to be made to enforce what some will not do. Runoff water pollution is serious and it effects everyone. Thermal pollution is simmilar to runoff in the fact that no one ever gives it any thought.

 

Thermal pollution occurs when the water is heated up by power plants. Fossil fuel power plants, Neucular power plants and hydrolic dams heat the water. The industrial process requires large quanities of cooling water and water runnign through danm turbines is heated. After the water is heated, it is then discharged into lakes and rivers. Certin types of fish, animals, and plankton die if the water temperature is raised to much. Fish can't spwan when the water temperature is to high. If temperatures are hot enough the life in the water becomes minimal. Also, when the water is warmed, it promotes the growth of algae. With high concentratiuons of algae, the problem of eutrophication is introduced again. Neucular power plants cause thermal pollution, but they also cause radioactive waste. Little is known about radioactive waste, but it is know that small amounts of this material can destroy life in large quanities of water. There is one last source of pollution, toxic waste.

 

Toxic waste comes form a great variety of industrial plants. In mining opperations and many industrial processes heavy metals such as lead, copper, cadium, iron and others are released into the water. These heavy metals accumulate in fish and make them harmful to anything that eats them and to the fish itself. In pulp-mill paper production, a combination of organic waste and toxic waste combind to cause horriable effects. As mentioned before, DDT is a toxic waste that ravashises any environment it comes in contact with. PCB's are anothe rtoxic waste that are byproducts of many industrial processes. PCB's work in the same way as DDT by concentrating as it moves up the food chain until it is highly toxic by the time it reaches Humans and other animals high on the food chain.

 

Water is a necessity of life and it needs to be conserved and protected. >From all of the above pollutants, our water supply is in peril. If we value life as we know it, we need to change our way of life and look at water in a different way.

Pollution and Environment Essay - Automobiles and Pollution

Automobiles and Pollution

 
    In years past, levels of air, noise, and sight pollution were much lower than they are today. There are more cars on the road today, and because of this we experience higher levels of pollution than before. The automobile is probably the leading contributor pollution in our cities. They release toxic emissions into our atmosphere. Automobiles are linked particularly to carbon monoxide pollution. They are noisy (especially if you are living near the highway), and they take up valuable space in the form of vast parking lots that are unpleasing to the eye. Why are there more automobiles on the road today than there was in the past? Understanding the answer to this question is important when trying to propose an effective solution to the increasing levels of pollution that we are experiencing. Our current levels of high pollution are the result of an increased number of vehicles on the road.

 

There are several factors that have caused the increase in the number of cars that we have on our roads today. First, and most obvious, is the fact th...


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...ience articles archive, last modified: Jan. 13, 1994, 1 page, "homepage", accessed 10/20/98, http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/auto-fuel-efficiency-model.html



4. Miller, G. Tyler Jr. "Environmental Science: Working With the Earth." 6th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company. 1997.



5. "Monthly estimates of the U.S. population, April 1, 1980-August 1, 1998", last modified: September 25, 1998, 1 page, U.S. Census Bureau, date accessed: 10/20/98, http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/nation/intfile1-1.txt

Causes of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a worldwide problem. What is air pollution? It's the introduction of harmful substances or products into the enviroment which can occur naturally or artificially. In fact, air pollution contributes to other forms of pollution such as: water contamination, soil pollution………..etc. Air pollution is a dangerous threat caused by many different productions such as: car exhaust, Nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2, NO3) and Sulpher Dioxide (SO2).

The first major cause of air pollution is car exhausts which lead to about 45 to 50 % of the total air pollution. It's formed due to the production of unburned fuel in the form of oxides of Nitrogen and hydrocarbons. These black gases produced by unfiltered car exhaust may cause many health problems such as asthma or in extreme causes, could eventually lead to difficulty in breathing. One of the hydrocarbons produced is Carbon monoxide (CO) which is one of the most dangerous gases resulting in many health problems. Also it affects children mostly by making them handicapped as it affects young people brains.

The second cause of air pollution is Nitrogen oxides. Basically Nitrogen oxide is one of the harmful gases which is produced into the atmosphere due to various human activities such as burning of fuel. NO is very dangerous: when combined with rain water, it forms Nitrogen trioxide (NO3) which is acidic and causes a change in the soil Ph. When acidic rains pour on soil, it increases its acidity causing the damage of crops and makes soil unsuitable for replant!!!

The last air pollutant is Sulpher dioxide (SO2). The SO2 is emitted due to the burning of Sulpher(S) containing fuels such as coal, fossil fuels…etc. Moreover, being exposed to high concentration of SO2 may result in breathing problems, while short-term exposure has been linked to three unhealthy problems as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Also, it causes acid rains as Nitrogen Oxides.

Finally, the causes of air pollution can be many to name, but many of them can be reduced by human beings by reducing the activities which produce these harmful and hazardous gases as: exhaust, Nitrogen oxides and Sulpher dioxide.

Waste and Recycling

Sonoco Recycling Plant Tour
Columbia SC, May 4th, Tour begins at 4 pm, leave Hilton Head at 1:30PM
Join us and learn what happens with your recyclables after the hauler takes them away from your home. This is a unique opportunity to understand how your daily green practice at home contributes to the PLANET and PROSPERITY "legs" of the sustainability "stool".
• Discuss ways to address America's garbage problem
• Trace the natural resources we use in every day life
• View an MRF (Material Recovery Facility) in action
• See innovative products made from items we can all recycle
Sonoco is the exclusive processor for the Town of Hilton Head Island residential recycling program. The tour will last approximately one hour and is free of charge, but drivers are needed to help with the carpool to Columbia. The tour is limited to 25 participants. PLEASE SIGN UP through this registration and someone will be in touch regarding the meet up time and location on HHI for the carpool. Email info@experiencegreen.org if you are available to drive to Columbia to the tour and how many passengers can ride with you.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
A Daufuskie Island Conservancy Update
The Daufuskie Island Conservancy began communicating with Beaufort County’s Solid Waste and Recycling Deparatment in 2006 in an effort to bring island-wide recycling to Daufuskie. Due to county scheduling and funding, this effort is only now coming to fruition. In the meantime, recycling was begun in a private community on the island, funded by the residents of that community. This effort has removed tons of plastic, cardboard, tin/aluminum, clear glass and green/brown glass from the island.
We are working with island residents who are looking at ways to use island waste in businesses on the island. These businesses would especially focus on glass for concrete and drain fields and on food waste for composting.
Completed projects include participating in Beaufort County’s Hazardous Waste Day when we collected household chemicals, paint and batteries from island residents. We also participated in the county’s Electronics Waste Day. Island residents contributed a trailer full of old computers, televisions, stereos, phones and other obsolete or non-operable electronics.
We are currently looking at suppliers of compostable food containers for use by island restaurants.
Due to our island setting and the necessity for barging all commodities onto the island and barging all trash off of the island, we are focusing on using what we have on the island and minimizing what we barge off of the island. These efforts not only save money, but protect our environment.

County to move forward on Daufuskie Island waste center
By admin
Created 2010-07-19 05:00
Despite objections from some residents, Beaufort County is forging ahead with plans to build a new convenience center to replace the county-operated collection of industrial-sized garbage containers on Daufuskie Island. Opponents, including a nearby landowner who filed an unsuccessful lawsuit to stop the project, have appealed without success for the county to abandon the project.
Some opponents want the county to pick a different site and build a facility that could accommodate waste and recycling from people who live inside and outside the gates of the bridgeless island's private communities. The existing, 19-year-old facility -- intended for residents who do not get curbside service through a private community -- was supposed to be temporary and is in a historic Gullah neighborhood, they say. Jean Newton of Fairfax, Va., a plaintiff in the dismissed suit, called the county's plan "unconscionable." She and her husband, Don, own land within sight of the existing facility. That land was once occupied by her great-grandmother. After learning of the project late last year, they filed suit against the county's Zoning Board of Appeals in February, arguing the county did not properly consider the community's interests, they said. "The county would have you believe they really care about Daufuskie," Jean Newton said Saturday. "If the county really cared about Daufuskie, they would sit down and talk to the people on Daufuskie to learn what they wanted."
County officials, who spent about three years developing the plan and recently started site work, say the project's opponents have not presented a viable alternative. They say the $300,000-plus project should pay for itself by creating a cleaner, more efficient operation that would provide recycling to residents for the first time and be landscaped, fenced and staffed with an attendant, public works director Eddie Bellamy said. New, covered containers equipped with compactors could cut in half the $100,000 the county spends each year to ship waste off the island by barge, he said. By contrast, the existing facility's unattended, open-air containers are difficult to monitor for illegal dumping, smell bad and attract buzzards and vermin, Bellamy said. Of all the places where Beaufort County collects waste from residents, only the Daufuskie site truly can be called a "dump," he said. Residents have complained about it since he started in his job about nine years ago, he said.
Some Daufuskie Islanders now think they have a better idea, however. The Daufuskie Island Council, a group elected to represent the island in an unofficial vote earlier this year, asked in May that the county delay construction until it could investigate the prospect of a public-private venture to provide waste management and recycling for the entire island at a different site. Last month, the group suggested such a venture be located on land owned by Daufuskie Site Prep and offered for a low-cost, long-term lease.
The group's suggestion is "much less desirable" than the existing site for many reasons, Bellamy said. For example, it only is accessible by private road, would require costly new engineering and might not meet size and open-space requirements, he said. Collecting both residential and commercial waste at the same location also could be complicated because those bringing commercial waste are responsible for it until it reaches a landfill, Bellamy said. Having a separate site for each type of waste doesn't mean public and private entities couldn't band together to pay for transportation, he said.
Even though the Daufuskie council continues to advocate for a future island-wide system, it has opted to stop fighting the county's current plans, chairman Aaron Crosby said. Those plans were set before the council's election, but the group expects to be consulted in such matters in the future, he said. The group expressed disappointment with the county's decision to move forward in a letter to County Council Chairman Weston Newton dated July 14. "As a council, we remain committed to the concept of a 'one-island, comprehensive' solid waste and recycling facility," Crosby wrote in the letter. "To that end, we would like to begin working with county staff immediately on how best to implement the private-sector component of that solution."
Unless otherwise specified, all articles from The Island Packet are Copyright � 2010 The Island Packet and all articles from The Beaufort Gazette are Copyright � 2010 The Beaufort Gazette.

One Island Consolidated Waste and Recycling Facility

October 31st, 2010

A recent eighteen month study, by our Waste and Recycling Committee, found compelling evidence that a one stop, “One Island Consolidated Waste and Recycling Facility” would be an efficient and progressive solution for the collection of waste and recycling generated by island residences and businesses.
Residential waste and recycling would be collected at the Facility. Individuals, or operators representing private households, would bring their waste and recycling to the Facility for sorting. After all recyclable goods are removed, the remaining solid waste would be compacted. Beaufort County would then become responsible for removing this compacted residential waste from Daufuskie Island. The expense of removing the compacted solid residential waste from the island to the landfill is paid for, and provided for, in county taxes paid by the homeowner.
Commercial waste and recycling would also be collected at the Facility. Commercial waste includes all construction and demolition debris, restaurant waste, and waste from operations such as the school, church, museum, fire station, and island celebrations. Commercial vendors would bring their waste and recycling to the Facility for sorting. After all their recyclable goods are removed, the remaining solid waste would then be weighed. The commercial vendor would pay a competitive per pound rate to the managing overseer of the Facility for the legal removal of their solid waste from the island to the landfill.
Hutton Brother’s Construction would be the managing overseer of the Facility. They would be licensed and insured to handle all facets of the One Island Consolidated Waste and Recycling Facility. In addition to handling the commercial solid waste, they would work with the county to provide for legal removal of electronics, white goods, light bulbs, batteries, and other hazardous wastes collected from the island. Hutton Brother’s Construction would also be in the production of smooth, pulverized, glass “gravel” from the island’s recycled glass. This “gravel” would be used for island drainage fields, road beds and structural concrete projects.
Pratt Industries would operate the recycling segment. Pratt Industries, (prattindustries.com) is the sixth largest paper and packaging company in the United States and currently has the recycling contract for the city of Savannah. They consume all recovered paper for their own packaging products, and sell the remaining plastics and metals to other end users. Pratt would be responsible for collecting and removing all paper products, metals, and No.1 and No. 2 plastics from the island.
The Greenery would operate the commercial composting segment at the Facility. It is well known that food waste makes up approximately 40% of all waste in a landfill. As it decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas. Composting of food waste on Daufuskie, and also the composting of yard debris, would remove this volume from the landfill and create a valuable ingredient for the many gardens on the island.
Daufuskie Site Prep would operate a state-of-the-art incinerator that would produce electricity while burning unwanted debris. They would also be licensed and insured to produce lumber from the trees that are being removed from the island’s maritime forest.
The Location of the Comprehensive Waste and Recycling Facilitywould be temporary at first. Until the CP committee, with islander input, has a agreed upon a permanent location, the first One Island Solution Waste Facility will most probably be located at an already existing transfer station. After proper studies, permitting and licensing have occurred, the permanent location would then be ready to be built on. This process of locating and building a permanent location may take up to 3 – 5 years.
Additional facts:If Island residences and businesses would recycle paper products, No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, and metal, it is projected to reduce the amount of solid waste leaving the island by 50% or more. This aggressive recycling program would greatly reduce the amount of solid waste needing to be barged off the island to an already brimming landfill at Hickory Hill.
Having a One Island Waste and Recycling Facility provides new sustainable business for Daufuskie Island.
Daufuskie Island is home to many enthusiastic environmentalists who deeply care about their island. This progressive, “green”, One Island Waste and Recycling Facility is our answer to this ongoing waste stream.

Daufuskie Waste Disposal Factsheet

October 28th, 2010

ISSUE
Beaufort County Council has approved $360,000 for a permanent waste facility on a site in our historic Gullah neighborhood that will serve only 65 residences. This will be the third Convenience Center on our island; the other two being Haig Point and Melrose. We would like to consolidate waste services on Daufuskie, not expand them. The “One Island Consolidated Waste Facility” that we foresee will handle residential and commercial trash. It will offer expanded recycling services including composting. This facility will significantly reduce the amount of trash leaving Daufuskie and going to Hickory Hill Landfill and will utilize island businesses and employ island residents. Hickory Hill Landfill in Ridgeland, SC is expected to reach capacity in 13 years.

BACKGROUND
Prior to 1991 – Burning and burying trash was the method of disposal because the island residents had no other option. Residents threatened to file suit with the county for lack of waste services.

1991 Beaufort County purchased a total of 9.3-acres on Daufuskie Island. Access to this parcel is via Frances Jones Boulevard. The stated purpose for purchasing the land was to construct a consolidated government complex that included fire, emergency medical services, sheriff’s department and a park. The County “temporarily” placed three open-container dumpsters at the site to stop the burying and burning of trash. The county does not have a permit to operate this dump site. None of the other promised facilities were built.
2009 The County applied for a Special Use Permit to build an “expanded” Citizen’s Convenience Center (CCC) on the site of the “temporary” dump to provide waste management services. Such permits are approved by the Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) The Zoning Board posted a notice of the hearing for the special use permit at the temporary dump site. The hearing was scheduled for December 12, 2009. However, the contract had already been awarded to Terry Lee Contractors in August of 2009 by the Public Works Department. Although Daufuskie Island is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the County’s Planning Department made a decision not to require a historical impact assessment. Repeated phone calls by island residents to the Solid Waste and Recycling Department complaining about toxic dumping have been ignored for years. No environmental studies have ever been done. The County’s Development Review Team waived the Community Impact Study as a component of its application for the Special Use Permit and forwarded the application for review by the ZBOA. In December 2009, the ZBOA approved the County’s application for a Special Use Permit to build the new CCC at the site of the “temporary” dump.
2010 A group of property owners filed a law suit against the Zoning Board of Appeals decision to approve a Special Use Permit to build a permanent waste facility (an industrial land use) in the historic Gullah residential neighborhood. The County Court ruled against the property owners. It is now being appealed in the State Appellate Court. The issue under appeal: The ZBOA abused its authority by approving a Special Use Permit without the consideration of a Community Impact Statement (CIS) in its deliberations. One finding: The county incorrectly viewed the existing “temporary” dump site as a permitted convenience center, which it is not. Therefore, the plan is to mitigate a preexisting Convenience Center rather than following the steps required to build a new one. Such steps include a CIS which consists of four assessments: 1. Historic and Archaeological Impact 2. Environmental Impact 3. Area Impact 4. Traffic Impact It was represented to the Court that a Citizen’s Convenience Center was in operation at the site for over 19 years. In reality, the county has operated a non permitted “temporary” dump site consisting of three open-top dumpsters and no infrastructure—no water, electricity, fencing, waste water disposal, or employee to monitor the site, etc. Due to the Appeal, construction of the CCC is temporarily halted.

SUMMARY

Potential Soil & Water Contamination – Numerous residents have witnessed hazardous materials leaking on the ground surrounding the dumpsters. The site has been an unsupervised dump for commercial and residential trash for over 19 years. Overflowing dumpers have been common place at this site. Eddie Bellamy, Public Works for Beaufort County, was quoted in a July 19, 2010 Island Packet article. “Of all the places where Beaufort County collects waste from residents, only the Daufuskie site truly can be called a “dump,” he said.” “Residents have complained about it since he started in his job about nine years ago, he said.” Soil and water testing at this dump site have never been done. The environmental study was waived by the zoning board.
Daufuskie Comprehensive Plan – Daufuskie’s Community Preservation (CP) Committee, which is a joint effort with the Beaufort County Planning Department, was never consulted on the proposed CCC even though they worked on the recently approved CP Plan for the past 5 1/2 years. The CP Committee agreed that the CCC was planned in the wrong location. The intent to establish an island-wide consolidated waste collection facility is documented in the CP Plan. Building a third facility on Daufuskie expands services. One consolidated facility will provide efficient recycling to reduce the volume of waste leaving our island. Even though Beaufort County has had contact over the last several years with a number of island residents and organizations regarding trash disposal, they made no attempt to gather community input while planning the CCC.
Daufuskie Island Historic District – Although the DI Conservancy’s mission relates to protecting the natural environment, it is difficult to separate protection of our natural environment from the potential devaluing of our historic environment. Daufuskie Island is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In order to be listed, sites that contribute to this designation are either “key contributing sites” or “contributing sites”. These sites can pertain to architecture, military, black history or local history. There are a number of “contributing sites” in the neighborhood surrounding the 9.3 acres that Beaufort County purchased. Should the waste facility be located in close proximity to three important landmarks of historic note as well as on a road that is named for a highly honored resident of the island who contributed much to the education of its children?
One Island Solution- For nearly two years we have been researching and developing a concept for a consolidated waste facility on our small island (two and a half by five miles in size). This single site would process residential and commercial waste. It would offer full recycling and composting of all waste thereby decreasing the volume of waste leaving the island for Hickory Hill Landfill. Environmental engineering studies and county input is needed for this concept to become a reality. The county’s proposed CCC will be the island’s third convenience center for citizen waste drop-off despite the relatively small service area and low population.
LET’S GET IT RIGHT
1. Environmental Studies to ensure the soil and water at the “temporary” dump site has not been contaminated.
2. Our CP Committee and Beaufort County Planner, Brian Herrmann, be permitted to weigh in.
3. Environmental Engineering studies to develop an integrated solid waste study and plan.
4. Necessary input from the county to move forward with a One Island Consolidated Waste Facility.
5. Complete Community Impact Statement to ensure the CCC is in the best location on our Historic Island.

Tips on Saving Energy in Your Home

Within This Page

1.

Caulking

The cost of improving the airtightness of your home through caulking is low compared with the subsequent fuel savings and increased comfort.

Silicone caulking is ideal for metal, glass, glazed tile and plastic surfaces because it sticks, flexes and does not shrink over time.

Acrylic latex caulking is a general-purpose sealant that sticks best to porous materials like wood and concrete.

All-purpose caulking is good for both interior and exterior use, including bathrooms and kitchens.

Polyurethane caulking performs well on both porous and non-porous surfaces, is flexible, paintable, long-lasting and hard as nails.

A heat-resistant caulking should be used around sources of heat, such as chimneys, light fixtures and fan motors.

It is wise not to caulk in an area where the temperature is below 5°C (40°F), as the compound will become stiff and difficult to work.

Caulking should be used for its intended purpose only. For example, an exterior sealant can be a health hazard if used indoors.

To make sure caulking sticks well, clean the surface area thoroughly first and allow it to dry before you caulk.

When improving your home's airtightness, take into account the effect on ventilation.

2.

Lighting

The wattage rating tells how much electricity a bulb uses, not how bright it is. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a bright idea. They use less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

ENERGY STAR® labelled compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75 percent  less energy than incandescent bulbs.

One 100-watt incandescent bulb produces the same amount of light as two 60-watt bulbs and uses less energy.

Cleaning light fixtures regularly removes dust buildup and allows for maximum light output.

Standard incandescent bulbs use only 5 to 8 percent of their energy to produce light. The rest is dissipated as heat.

Lamps placed where their light can reflect off at least two walls, such as in a corner, provide the most light for your money.

Many devices can help save energy on lighting. Look for automatic timers, motion sensors and dimmers.

Linear fluorescent tubes are suitable for your kitchen, bathroom and utility area, and come in all sorts of styles and lengths.

Fluorescent lighting fixtures should be metallic, grounded and shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference with other household equipment.

A halogen lamp is like an incandescent lamp with a special reflector to improve light focus.

Outdoor halogen lighting is great for gardens and pathways, and it uses much less energy than standard incandescent lights.

Halogen lighting has light output that is similar to a regular incandescent bulb but uses up to 40 percent less energy.

3.

Plumbing

Toilets

Installing a water-saver flush kit in your toilet can save you thousands of litres of water per year.

Replacing large-volume toilets with 6-litre-per-flush models saves at least 70 percent of the water used.

Showers

An energy-efficient shower head or flow controller conserves energy without affecting water pressure.

A low-flow shower head saves as much as 60 percent of the water used by a conventional fixture.

Dripping taps can waste 9000 litres of hot water each year. Replace leaky washers and save the hot water for when you really need it!

4.

Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan equipped with a large range of speeds provides the greatest number of options for comfort and noise control.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping prevents air from leaking through gaps around doors and the moving parts of an operable window.

Weatherstripping should be easy to replace. To be effective, it must close gaps completely.

Weatherstripping should be flexible and spring back to its original shape. It should allow you to open and close windows and doors easily.

Weatherstripping can be applied to the tops and sides of any door frame.

V-shaped weatherstripping creates an excellent seal by making contact with the edge of the door. It maintains a good seal even if the door warps.

At the bottom of the door, apply weatherstripping to either the sill or the door itself.

When weatherstripping your door, use a durable material that can withstand traffic but is flexible enough to adapt to changes caused by humidity and temperature.

6.

Storm Doors

An easy way to improve ventilation and increase comfort inside your home during the summer is to use storm doors with screens.

7.

Major Appliances

You can buy years of energy savings by choosing appliances with the ENERGY STAR®symbol.

Refrigerators

Organizing the food on your refrigerator shelves will allow for ample airflow and efficient operation.

Your refrigerator accounts for 11 percent of your household's total energy consumption, so buying an energy-efficient model makes good sense.

Cool hot food before placing it in the refrigerator so that you don't let valuable energy go to waste.

Today's energy-efficient refrigerators use 50 percent less energy than models made 10 years ago.

ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators have a more energy-efficient compressor and better insulation than conventional models.

Clothes Washers

A water-level control or a small-load basket helps you save water when washing smaller loads.

Front-loading clothes washers use about 40 percent less water per load and 50 percent less energy than top-loading models.

Dryers

A dryer with a sensor that turns the machine off automatically when clothes are dry helps save energy.

You will get the most out our your clothes dryer if you clean the filter before every load.

Freezers

A freezer that is too big for your needs wastes energy and money. A rule of thumb is to allow 130 litres of freezer capacity per person.

Chest freezers are more energy efficient than upright models. Cold air stays in better when the door is opened.

Your freezer or refrigerator must work harder when placed next to a heat source such as a radiator, heating vent, washer, dryer or furnace.

You can test your refrigerator or freezer door seal by closing it on a sheet of paper. Replace the seal if the paper slides out easily.

Dishwashers

Using a dishwasher saves energy. Five minutes of pre-rinsing dishes under the tap can use up to 115 litres of water.

Today's dishwashers are about 95 percent more energy efficient than those bought in 1972: your old one may be costing you more money than buying a new one.

Ranges

Self-cleaning ovens generally have more insulation than regular ovens. This means energy savings every time you cook.

Turning on the interior light to check your dinner instead of opening the door makes the best use of your oven's energy.

8.

Appliances – General

You can buy years of energy savings by choosing appliances that carry the ENERGY STAR® symbol.

The EnerGuide rating on a major appliance helps you choose the most efficient model for your needs.

The EnerGuide label lets you estimate the annual cost of electricity to operate the appliance.

Heat Recovery Ventilators

Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) improve indoor air quality by expelling stale indoor air continuously and using its heat to pre-heat the incoming fresh air.

Dirty HRV filters weaken the performance of the system. To clean most filters, simply remove, dust or wash with soap and water, and reinsert.

Fireplaces

A ceiling fan near a gas fireplace will push valuable hot air down into the whole living area.

Air leaks are common at the joint between the chimney and the wall. To seal them, remove the trim (if necessary) and apply heat-resistant caulking.

A gas fireplace can usually be inserted into an existing wood fireplace. It also can be installed as a completely new hearth.

Traditional wood fireplaces draw valuable heat out of the house, while new gas fireplaces with sealed units maximize heat use.

An efficient gas fireplace may lower energy consumption if installed where its heat can reach many parts of the house.

Accessories such as tightly fitted glass doors and outdoor air intakes help improve fireplace efficiency.

A carbon monoxide detector should be installed near all fuel-combustion appliances. If your gas fireplace has a continuously burning pilot light, it should be turned off during the summer or when you are away for a long time.

Thermostats

Lowering the thermostat setting at bedtime and before leaving the house reduces your energy bills without affecting your comfort.

By installing a programmable thermostat, you can save 2 percent  on your heating bill for every 1°C (2°F) you lower the thermostat.

Look for a thermostat with the ENERGY STAR® symbol on it.

Room Air Conditioners

A room air conditioner works just like a refrigerator; it takes heat from the space that is being cooled and transfers it to another place.

Setting the thermostat of your room air conditioner at 25°C (77°F) provides the most comfort for the least cost.

ENERGY STAR® qualified room air conditioners use at least 10 percent less energy than conventional models.

A room air conditioner filter should be cleaned once a season. A dirty air filter reduces airflow and may even damage the unit.

A poorly performing air conditioner should be serviced without delay. Leaking refrigerant not only reduces the unit's efficiency – it is also emitting greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Water Heaters

Switching to a high-efficiency water heater could save you up to $100 on your energy bill every year.

Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Using your bathroom fan gets rid of damp, stale air quickly and improves indoor air quality.

You can compare the sound level of bathroom fans (measured in sones). Some models, rated at under 1.0 sone, are as quiet as a whisper.

A bathroom fan with an automatic humidity sensor runs the fan just long enough to remove excess moisture and then turns itself off to save electricity.

9.

Barbecues

Gas barbecues save energy during hot weather, when indoor cooking can heat up your home and increase air-conditioning needs.

Paints

Paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contains fewer solvents than regular paint, so fewer environmental pollutants are emitted into the air.

White walls and ceilings reflect significantly more light into a room than do dark surfaces.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps prevent moisture problems by channeling excess water away from your home to a sanitary main or storm water pipe.

Dehumidifiers

Running a dehumidifier in the basement on muggy summer days reduces condensation on foundation walls and floors.

Hygrometers

Determining the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer can help you decide whether you need to act to prevent moisture damage.

Foam Gaskets

Foam gaskets made to fit behind the cover plates of electrical receptacles, switches and lighting fixtures reduce air leakage.

Photocell Timers

Photocell timers react to sunlight. They turn outdoor lights off during the day and on at night and help extend bulb life.

Electric Timers

Programmable timers with an automatic on-off switch help extend product life and minimize energy use.

Outdoor Lighting With Motion Sensors

Outdoor lights with motion sensors operate only when they detect movement, providing home security as well as energy savings.

Aluminum Tape

Aluminum tape wrapped around joints in heating and cooling ducts can help reduce costly air leakage.

Eavestroughs

When working properly, eavestroughs help guide rain water away from the foundation of your house and prevent moisture problems.

Roof Vents

For good cross-ventilation, install attic vents at the eaves and peak of your roof.

Central Vacuum Systems

A central vacuum cleaner expels air and fine particles outside the home, contributing to better, healthier air quality inside.

Allergy sufferers in particular benefit from a central vacuum system. Cleaning is also much quieter with a central vacuum system, as the main power unit is mounted away from the living area.

Stove Elements

Choosing the right pot size for a stove element means using energy most efficiently.

Slow Cooking

Extending cooking times with a slow cooker not only lets flavours mingle better, but also reduces energy use and chances of scorching.

5.