Voluntary Simplicity Can Impact Air Quality
by Cy Englert According to the Environmetal Protection Agency (EPA), nationwide air quality for six air pollutants for which there are national standards has improved significantly since 1990. Despite this progress, more than 158 million people lived in areas that exceeded the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) as of 2007. http://www.epa.gov/air/airtrends/2008/report/Highlights.pdd Air quality continues to be a significant area of concern and something each of us can impact. But where do you focus your effort? Where do you start? In my opinion, each of us can have the largest effect on air quality by changing our personal habits in three key areas: What You Drive – One of the most effective ways to improve air quality is to reduce emissions by using Intercity Transit and/or by investing in a greener car. Check out the top greenest cars on http://www.greenopia.com/USA/news/15196/3-5-2009/Greenopia-Research-Labs-Name-Top-Ten-Greenest-Cars How Much Energy You Use – In the process of burning fossil fuels to produce energy, carbon dioxide is released. There is a lot of information and positive action in Olympia focused around climate and global warming, so we have plenty of information and groups to join. Individual action to conserve energy – for example, replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and adding attic insulation in your home – is a significant way to improve air quality. What Products You Buy – Choose products with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can improve indoor and outdoor air quality. VOCs are released through the use of household consumer products including cleaning products, paints, and some insecticides. Ask for no or low VOC products. These personal lifestyle changes can make a big difference. However, changing is sometimes difficult to implement when going it alone. Being part of a group can be the support many people need and allows you to discuss and share ideas to become more sustainable and create a more satisfying life. It is easy to get started by joining or hosting a Voluntary Simplicity discussion course created by Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI.org). NWEI's Voluntary Simplicity discussion course is a five-session course held in the workplace, community/faith center, or home. The course addresses the distractions of modern society that keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and our environment. Recently revised, the course will help you to: Understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity; Explore the material and psychological distractions that prevent us from caring for the earth; Acknowledge the connection between our lifestyle choices and the condition of the earth. Cy Englert is the local NWEI coordinator and mentor of NWEI discussion courses and can be reached at 360- 402-0451 or cyenglert@gmail.com. A Voluntary Discussion course is starting in January; send an email now and get started exploring how to make our lives simpler, happier, and healthier.
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