April’s Blog ;)

Hey =)

Well, here’s my second environmental blog post for the week. I think I’m going to do it on acid rain, since acid rain is a huge issue. So here it is!

What Is Acid Rain?

According to Dictionary.com, acid rain is “rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions (especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) combine with water.” Basically, it’s rain with acid chemicals in it. So what is acid? Acid is a substance with a sour taste that is characterized chemically by the ability to react with a base to form a salt. Acids turn blue litmus paper (also called pH paper) red. Strong acids can burn your skin.

A pH scale is used to measure the amount of acid in a liquid-like water. Because acids release hydrogen ions, the acid content of a solution is based on the concentration of hydrogen ions and is expressed as “pH.” This scale is used to measure the acidity of rain samples. Here is a picture of a pH scale:

What Can We Do To Prevent Acid Rain?

At home, we can:

Install a low-flow showerhead.

Run the dishwasher only with a full load.

Run the washing machine with a full load.

If using an automatic dishwasher, let the dishes air dry.

Hang dry some-or all-of the laundry.

Buy energy-efficient appliances.

Avoid the use of air conditioners altogether.

Turn out the lights in empty rooms and when away from home.

Consider installing compact fluorescent bulbs instead of high-wattage incandescent bulbs.

Turn off the hot water tank when going away for extended periods of time.

Install additional insulation on the hot water tank and pipes.

Insulate and draft-proof your basement.

Weather-strip doors and windows.

Turn down the heat at night and when away from home.

If you have a forced-air furnace, change or clean its filters at least once a year.

Don’t use sink garbage disposal units.

In the yard, we can:

Consider changing to a low-maintenance landscape.

If you have a pool, keep a cover over it when you are not using it.

While shopping, we can:

Look for products bearing the EcoLogo. They minimize the use of environmentally hazardous substances and maximize energy efficiency and the use of recycled materials.

Buy locally produced or grown items from local stores and businesses. They don’t require the transportation energy of imported products.

Transportation:

Walk, ride your bike or take a bus to work.

Share a ride with a friend or co-worker.

Have your engine tuned at least once every six months.

Check your car tire pressure regularly.

Use alternative fuels, such as ethanol, propane or natural gas.

Avoid unnecessary idling.

In the winter, warm your car’s engine with a block heater for two to three hours prior to driving, rather than plugging in the battery overnight.

Reduce the number of trips you make in your car.

Drive at moderate speeds.

Take the train or bus on long trips.

Go CFC-Free.

Here are some pictures of acid rain:

To learn more about acid rain, CLICK HERE.

*April