How to Stop Air Pollution in Canada, U.S.

In our last blog, we took some time to discuss the causes for the increasing level of pollution in the U.S. and Canada. Now that we understand what is filling our air with dangerous and often fatal levels of pollution, we need to look at ways we can mitigate this disaster.

As with the creation of air pollution, there is not one simple way to reduce our levels of contaminated air. In order to reverse the current trends, we will have to attack the problem on multiple fronts.

Personal Conservation

You have heard this one since childhood: If you consume less, you produce fewer emissions. Humanity can accomplish this goal by driving less, turning off lights, and recycling. On its own, these are great ideas, but it will take a revolution in human behavior to make a dent in our current problems. Then again, you have to start somewhere.

Transportation and Production Alternatives

Currently, manufacturers and industries across the U.S. and Canada rely heavily on cars, trucks and planes to transport goods over North America’s wide expanse. There is a push on to utilize transportation alternatives like trains and pipelines. Both reduce the amount of fossil fuels used, thus improving air quality. Another less popular, but perhaps equally effective idea is sourcing more goods locally. The closer you are to suppliers of goods and services, the less travel time necessary.

Pollution-Control Systems

Most current machines and facilities that use fossil fuels can benefit from advanced pollution control systems. Things like thermal oxidizers, wet scrubbers, heat exchangers, and energy recovery systems can reduce air pollution. (At Maverick Spring, we have seen a rise in orders for products used in these systems.)

Renewable Energy Sources

For many experts, this is the true future of reducing air pollution. Popular alternative energy sources include, wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. There is still a long way to go for renewables to replace fossil fuels. They are still far too expensive and hard to install, but with each passing day, these obstacles are disappearing. In 2013, wind power contributed 4.1 percent of electricity generated in the U.S., up from 3.4 percent in 2012, so some change is occurring.

While there is no magic bullet, if both individuals and industries make a concerted effort, there is a chance that we will be able to reverse or at least slow the current levels of dangerous air pollution around the globe. At Maverick Spring, we will continue to do our best to reduce our levels of air pollution—and we’re hoping our compression, extension, and torsion springs will find their way into more products that can make a difference.