How to Reduce Air Pollution:
How to Reduce Air Pollution:Rethink Your Fuel Choices
Learn about 10 ways to reduce air pollution - from small changes to big actions.
You’re certainly not alone experiencing the effects of air pollution. From the heavy fumes of traffic to smoke-filled skies from wildfires to indoor pollutants, 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds safe levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The air we rely on for life also contains harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2).
These pollutants can penetrate deeply into our lungs and bloodstream, leading to inflammation and significantly raising the risk of heart disease, strokes, and respiratory illnesses and cancers.
Air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people prematurely every year.
Many of us are left wondering: How can we reduce air pollution? Using energy wisely, choosing efficient appliances, adopting eco-friendly practices at home and in our yards, building sustainably, and making mindful product and food choices all help.
Yet, what is a top way to reduce pollution? Rethink your transportation habits and cut gasoline use. Automobile emissions are the top source of air pollution in the U.S.
Explore our nonprofit’s top 10 ways to reduce pollution and start making a lasting impact today.
Key Takeaways
- Air Pollution’s Widespread Impact
Nearly 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO's safety levels, exposing us to pollutants that increase the risk of heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and premature death. - Transportation’s Role in Air Pollution
Not only does transportation account for the biggest share of climate-warming U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, but also automobile emissions are a primary source of air pollution in the U.S., with gasoline and diesel vehicles releasing harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Reducing gasoline consumption is critical to improving air quality. - Actions to Reduce Pollution
Reducing energy use at home, choosing efficient appliances, and adopting sustainable transportation like electric vehicles or public transit can significantly cut air pollution, contributing to healthier communities and a cleaner planet.
1. Cut Gasoline and Diesel Use
There are a few ways you can cut back on air pollution from gasoline and diesel (avoid idling, consolidate car trips to drive less, stop at the click when filling up your fuel tank, and maintain your vehicle regularly).
However, as the primary source of air pollution in the US is automobiles, the most impactful step Americans can take to reduce air pollution is to go gasoline- and diesel-free altogether.
The US is by far the biggest gasoline user on the planet, consuming almost 35% of the world’s gasoline.
Opting for alternative means of transportation reduces the pollutants that contribute to both urban smog and greenhouse gases, positively impacting air quality. Learn more about vehicle pollution.
Consider Not Owning A Vehicle
Depending on where you live and your mobility needs, you may be better off not owning a car. Consider switching to walking, cycling, scootering, skateboarding, e-biking, or (ideally clean electric) public transit and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
The potential savings on car payments, finance charges, maintenance, taxes, fees, tires, insurance, depreciation, fuel, parking, and tolls might make the shift well worth your while.
2. Go Electric
If you do need to drive, go electric. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions. Over the lifecycle of the vehicle, EVs significantly help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in all 50 states.
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles drove U.S. emissions to a record low of 319 grams per mile in 2023, while fleetwide fuel economy rose to 27.1 mpg, boosted by pro-EV policies and 1.1 million EVs and PHEVs sold.
The switch to an electric vehicle (EV) is easier than most people think. There are makes and models of EVs to fit every budget, and more models are coming out every year.
ℹ️ Learn more about switching to an EV and try the EV Savings Calculator.
Looking to Save Money on an EV in 2025?
Imagine never having to visit a gas station again, or needing an oil change again or worrying about unpredictable gas prices. With an electric vehicle, this could be your reality—while potentially saving thousands of dollars a year.
Our nonprofit has collected some of the best resources on purchasing or leasing an EV and put them into an easy-to-use cheat sheet.
It's a must-read for people considering an EV in 2025.
Simply enter your email to access the free cheat sheet and receive monthly news and inspiration from our nonprofit.
3. Use Less Energy at Home
Energy from burning fossil fuels is the most polluting, but even electricity usually requires some fossil fuels (unless your electricity comes 100% from renewable sources like wind, sun and hydropower!).
Make small changes to reduce energy at home: air-dry clothes, turn off unused devices, and unplug chargers to avoid "phantom" energy drain.
Adjusting the thermostat, using efficient light bulbs, and sealing drafts also help lower usage.
Simple habits that add up over time.
ℹ️ Learn more about easy ways to save energy at home and consider a home energy audit.
4. Choose Efficient Appliances and Heating Systems
Choose energy-efficient appliances and a smart thermostat to better manage your home’s energy use.
Energy Star-rated models consume less power while maintaining performance.
Upgrading to efficient heating and cooling systems, like heat pumps, can also help reduce air pollution. Learn more about electrifying your home.
5. Adopt Eco-Friendly Yard & Garden Practices
Organic gardening and native plants reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, cutting pollution.
Planting trees and green spaces also helps absorb pollutants and cools urban areas.
Opt for electric powered mowers and garden tools—they’re quieter and cleaner than gas-powered models. Avoid backyard fires and burning trash to limit harmful emissions.
6. Build Sustainably
When building, consider choosing sustainable materials and features like green roofs and walls that filter pollutants.
Solar panels are another great addition to reduce emissions.
You also might be eligible for weatherization assistance and home electrification incentives.
7. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Minimizing waste reduces the need for landfills and incinerators, which emit pollutants.
Composting organic waste prevents methane emissions, and avoiding single-use plastics cuts pollution from plastic production and disposal.
ℹ️ For more information, refer to the EPA’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle page.
8. Select Sustainable Products
Opt for products that emit low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Avoid scented products that can release harmful VOCs, and choose eco-friendly alternatives.
ℹ️ Read more on the EPA’s guide on VOCs and indoor air quality and learn about Green Seal’s certifications for low-VOC products.
💡 Air pollution reduction pro tip: For home deliveries, request all items in one shipment with minimal packaging. Choose flexible delivery windows to help trucks optimize routes and reduce extra trips.
9. Make Mindful Food Choices
Eliminating meat and dairy lowers emissions from livestock farming.
Buying local and seasonal produce reduces emissions from food transport, and supporting organic farming minimizes the use of synthetic pesticides.
ℹ️ For more, see Harvard’s climate-friendly diet guide.
10. Become a Champion For Clean Air
Participating in local clean-up events and supporting renewable energy policies directly contributes to better air quality.
Advocating for cleaner public transit options, like electric buses, reduces urban air pollution and makes cities healthier for everyone.
Looking to stand with a nonprofit in the fight for clean air?
Join Coltura, the award-winning nonprofit behind the Beyond Gasoline Movement. We’re laser-focused on ending gasoline use, the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the U.S. We’re focused, determined, and making real progress – but we need help to continue this critical work. Learn what you can do.
Gasoline is the biggest source of carbon emissions.
“Getting off gasoline is critical, yet very few organizations have put resources towards it. That’s why I joined Coltura.”
- Janelle London, Co-Executive Director of Coltura
Learn More About Reducing Pollution by Reducing Gasoline Use
Every gallon of gasoline burned emits 20 pounds of CO2. Vehicle emissions from burning gasoline and diesel fuels also contain toxic pollutants including carbon monoxide, smog-causing volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, formaldehyde and benzene.
Across the U.S., vehicle emissions are the largest source of carbon monoxides (up to 95% in cities) and nitrogen oxides.
The US is by far the biggest gasoline user on the planet, consuming almost 35% of the world’s gasoline – nearly 3x more than China. Gasoline and diesel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector cause about 30% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions.
Interested In Reducing Gasoline Use/Switching To An EV?
Start by seeing how much you could save with an EV! Check out this EV Savings Calculator.
Escape the "Gas Trap"
Gasoline Superusers
Did you know that in the U.S. just 10% of drivers consume 35% of all gasoline? These US “Gasoline Superusers” represent less than 0.25% of the world’s population yet account for 10.4% of global gasoline use.
Coltura is leading efforts to develop state-level policies that help these Gasoline Superusers, especially those from low-income communities, transition to cleaner vehicle options. When a Superuser switches to an EV, they reduce gasoline consumption five times more than an average driver.
Low- and middle-income Superusers are hit hardest by high-mileage driving, spending on average 12.5% of their income on fuel.
For them, switching to an EV would save on average $4,318 in annual fuel costs.
Learn how much you could save by switching to an EV.
Conclusion
Air pollution is killing us. It poisons the air we breathe, causing devastating health impacts for millions of people every year. Every day that passes means more harmful emissions polluting our air, more children developing asthma, more lives cut short.
Tackling air pollution starts with individual choices and community efforts. Simple actions—reducing energy use and supporting sustainable policies—can lead to healthier air. Organizations like Coltura are driving impactful changes by helping drivers transition away from gasoline, the largest source of U.S. carbon emissions.
Consider cutting gasoline to make the biggest impact on pollution reduction and join the movement to move beyond gasoline for cleaner air.
Help Build a Healthier Tomorrow
Join thousands of others making the switch to cleaner transportation! Sign up for our nonprofit’s Beyond Gasoline newsletter to stay up to date on the growing movement.
FAQ: Reducing Air Pollution and Its Impact
Why is air pollution a serious health issue?
Air pollution contains harmful pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream. This increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, respiratory illnesses, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding safe levels.
What are the main sources of air pollution in the U.S.?
The primary sources are vehicle emissions, particularly from gasoline and diesel engines, which produce pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Transportation is the largest contributor to air pollution in the U.S., responsible for a significant share of carbon emissions.
How does gasoline use affect air pollution?
Gasoline combustion releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and greenhouse gas emissions.
What can individuals do to reduce air pollution?
Individuals can reduce air pollution by:
- Reducing gasoline use
- Using less energy at home
- Choosing energy-efficient appliances
- Opting for sustainable transportation like walking, biking, or public transit
- Adopting eco-friendly gardening and recycling practices
What is the most impactful way to reduce air pollution?
Switching to electric vehicles or using alternative transportation like biking, walking, or public transit is the most effective way to reduce air pollution for many individuals in the U.S. This eliminates tailpipe emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles.