Tag Archives: pollution

American Lung Association Releases the State of the Air Report

The American Lung Association (ALA) released its “State of the Air” report yesterday, which looks at the ozone and particle pollution levels across the U.S. for 2006, 2007 and 2008. As with most reports, there is good news and bad news. The year-round, annual particle pollution levels showed improvement. But, there are also more than 175 million Americans that are still breathing polluted air. In case you were wondering, that is about 58 percent of our total population. The ALA released a list of cities that are most polluted, based on ozone, short-term particle spikes, and long-term particle averages. Unfortunately … Continue reading →

Earth Day 2010

This April 22 will be the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day began in 1970 when Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson proposed an environmental protest to “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” Of course, back in 1970, air pollution was worse that it is now and Americans were sucking up gas at an alarming rate, so perhaps a protest was more in order. On that first April 22nd, approximately 20 million took to the streets to protest for a healthier environment, led by national coordinator Denis Hayes. College students all around the … Continue reading →

Healthy Houseplants

If you’re looking for a way to keep your houseplants healthy, you can check the Home Blog. If you’re looking for houseplants that can keep YOU healthy, you’re in the right place. Plants can brighten your home — but they have a ton of health benefits. Lower stress with some greens in your workspace. Even in low light or offices without windows, you can keep a dragon tree, bamboo palm, snake plant, or arrowhead vine. Studies from Washington State University have shown that exposure to plants can lower your systolic blood pressure by as much as four points. Compare it … Continue reading →

Clear Pollutants Out of Your Home

These tips from the American Lung Association can help keep the air in your home cleaner — which can reduce problems with allergies and asthma and prevent other health problems. Never paint in an unventilated room! The fumes can leave you with permanent damage to your sense of smell and your brain. Don’t forget to clean your dryer’s exhaust pipe. Cleaning the lint trap only removes half the lint from your system! Use a round brush with a long, flexible neck to pull lint from the exhaust pipe. Always vent your dryer to an open outside area. If you vent … Continue reading →

Reducing Air Pollution

Various kinds of air pollution can aggravate your allergies. Much of the pollution in the air comes from industrial sources and cars, but there are lots of things you can do on your own to help decrease air pollution. Small changes can make a big difference over time! Get your family involved! Here are some ideas for reducing air pollution at home: Use energy-efficient lights and appliances. Look for the Energy Star label to find the most efficient products. Recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, and cardboard. Reuse materials — like plastic and paper bags or plastic containers — whenever possible. … Continue reading →

Urban Runner’s Tips

Live in the city? Need to boost your running routine? Here are some urban running tips to help get you in better shape and stay safe during your workout. Runners enjoy and challenge themselves on a regular basis to meet their own personal goals. Runners need to maintain a healthy observance of their environment and their pace in order to protect themselves from injury both from their running and from the environment. This is never truer than when running in an urban area. Look for Nature in the Concrete Jungle It’s better to run on dirt or grass trails in … Continue reading →