Air Pollution: Who Is Responsible? What Next?

Ria Singh Jan 06, 2020

Air Pollution is a major problem that we face today. But whose fault is it anyway? Yours or mine? The answer is simple: it’s ours. Humans have the talent to invent and discover new solutions and technologies; however, our indiscriminate use of these is leading us towards the destruction of our environment, of our surroundings, and, finally, of us.

We mindlessly burn crackers, crop stubble and trash year-round, and the results are devastating for the quality of air that we breathe. Headaches, lung diseases, and millions of deaths a year – all can be attributed to toxic air pollution.

It is often said that change is the only constant in our lives. Yet, change is never easy. It takes a lot of time for us to turn things back to normal. What will work the best for us right now in this era of air pollution is “mitigation.” We need to try to reduce air pollution by improving our ways and also our surroundings.

Nature and environment are bountiful and abundant. They sustain and nurture us. But if they are trifled with or damaged, they have the potential to cause great harm to us in return, even jeopardizing the very existence of the human race. Why let things slide so far?

I believe that it is ultimately in our hands to make a change, to start somewhere, “to be the change that we wish to see in the world,” as said by Gandhi ji. Here are a few things that we can do to combat air pollution this season and keep ourselves safe:

Wear a mask when you step outside. The type of mask you use is important. Choose a N99 Pollution Resistant Mask which, as the name states, can filter 99% of pollution and dust particles, keeping our lungs clean and safe.
Take green drives. Take a tour of the neighborhood and see if there is enough greenery present. Plant more trees in vacant spaces. Take responsibility to nurture them till they grow into healthy trees.
Having plants inside your home is a good way to make the indoor air better. It is a fact that five plants together can generate enough fresh oxygen for one person to breathe.
Use public transport like Metro or buses more often, or do car-pooling with neighbors
Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials as these emit smoke
If nothing else works, take a “pollu-cation” – a vacation to places like the hills or beaches, which have no air pollution

I believe that even if all of us start making the required changes to our lifestyle and habits, it would make a huge difference to the world. So let us all go green, stay healthy and stay safe!