Reducing the amount of “stuff” people use will reduce all kinds of pollution, including air pollution. When China wanted to clean up the air for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, it shut down factories that were creating “stuff”. Those factories were creating air pollution that could make it hard for athletes to breathe. Sometimes that stuff is important, but many times it’s not so important – like plastic straws or plastic disposable forks. When people don’t use these things, no one will make them and the factories that make them won’t create pollution.
You and your students can reduce pollution by reducing your use of disposable items. Have each student create a reduce-use box by decorating a small box and filling it with reusable utensils, washable straws, small cups, salt and pepper shakers, and other items you typically get a fast food restaurant when you’re out about.
Have them bring their boxes home to their parents to keep in their car. They can reduce waste and save money by ordering a large drink and splitting it up into the cups. They can also stuff rags under the seats of their car for cleaning windshields and headlights. Can your students think other items to keep in the car to reduce waste?