Few tips to conserve and protect our environment

Whether we live in our own country or not, certain responsibilities and duties accompany us wherever we go and whatever we do. One such duty is protecting the environment we live in.

Qatar is a country that sees new forms of development and technology every day. Astonishing constructions and ambitious projects crop up daily in this nation. Along with this, the inevitable pollution too can be seen in the country.

In fact, last year Doha News stated that Doha is one of the 15 most polluted cities in the world.

The online news portal further added that the Doha’s air has the 12th highest levels of PM2.5 which are small particles that are extremely hazardous to health.

Hence, the duty of protecting the environment we live in rests like lead on our shoulders. To ease it a little, here’s a list that we’ve put together of some simple ways that you could conserve your environment.

1- Painting your house? Use a latex paint. Oil-based paints release hydrocarbon fumes.

2- Use a bucket when you wash the car, instead of the hose. Letting the water run while you work costs money and wastes water. Only use the hose to rinse.

3- Get a tune-up. Properly maintained vehicles get better gas mileage and emit fewer pollutants.

4- Don’t top off your gas tank. Overfilling causes spills that release hydrocarbons and other toxic chemicals into the air. 

5- Don’t burn your yard waste. Burning yard waste releases mold spores, soot, and other contaminants that can aggravate allergies and cause respiratory problems.

6- Park the car. Walk, bike or use mass-transit whenever you can. Vehicle traffic is a major contributor to smog.

7- Wash a full load of laundry. Your washing machine uses 40 gallons of water. Run it full, or adjust the water level to the size of your load.

8- Paper or plastic? Better yet, take a canvas bag to the grocery and re-use it each time you shop.

9-When you do not use a house device, turn it off. For example, if you don't watch TV, turn it off.

10- Give it away, don’t throw it away. Many charitable organizations accept donations of wearable clothing and gently used household items.

The above are just a few tips on protecting and conserving the environment. Have you got any more tips to add to the list? If so, comment below.