Stratospheric ozone, or commonly known as the ozone layer, is a layer of gas (O3) that partially protects the earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). In the second half of the 20th century, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) created a hole in the ozone layer of up to 29.5 million square kilometers and eroded the layer everywhere. Increased UV rays increase the number of sufferers of skin cancer and eye problems. Fortunately, however, the banning of CFCs has significantly slowed the expansion of the ozone hole. By avoiding products and practices that can damage the ozone layer and by lobbying government and industry for more action, you can help close the ozone hole by the end of the century.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Avoiding Products That Can erode the Ozone Layer
Step 1. Check your fire extinguisher for active ingredients
If the main ingredient is “halon” or “halogenated hydrocarbons,” find a hazardous goods disposal center to recycle the fire extinguisher or call your local fire department for information on how to dispose of the fire extinguisher. Replace with fire extinguishers that do not contain harmful chemicals that can erode the ozone layer
Step 2. Do not buy aerosol products that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Although CFCs have been banned or reduced in use in many ways, the only way to make sure you're not using items that contain CFCs is to check the labels on all hairsprays, deodorants, and household chemicals. Choose products in a spray bottle rather than a pressurized tube, to reduce the chances of you buying a product that contains CFCs.
Step 3. Properly dispose of refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners made before 1995
These devices use chlorofluorocarbons to function, so if there is a leak they will release the chemical into the atmosphere.
- Contact a local company that will accept sales of second-hand items that match your equipment.
- If not, contact the agency or company concerned to inquire about how to dispose of refrigeration equipment in your environment.
Step 4. Purchase unprocessed wood or plywood products with methyl bromide
Wood processed with this pesticide will "release gas" bromine which can erode the ozone layer. All pallets or crates are stamped indicating how the wood was processed: HT means that the wood has undergone a certain process, while MB means that the process uses methyl bromide. For other wood, ask the seller how the wood is processed.
Researching and selecting construction products that do not use bromomethane is as important as using CFCs at home, because bromine gas is found to be more toxic to the ozone layer
Method 2 of 3: Giving a Call to Protect Ozone
Step 1. Contact local farms or people's representatives to recommend more efficient use of fertilizers
Organic and inorganic fertilizers are the largest source of nitric oxide production, and this gas is now the most dangerous gas that can deplete the ozone layer. Fertilizers are important, but to limit their impact on our atmosphere, try the following things to save money and reduce emissions:
- Adjust the amount of fertilizer to the needs of the plant.
- Use fertilizer formulations and additives that can reduce emissions.
- Increase fertilization time to ensure maximum nitrogen uptake.
- Apply fertilizers appropriately to minimize the evaporation of nitrogen into the atmosphere.
Step 2. Write a letter to the local or national level representative
Most of the man-made chemicals that can deplete the ozone layer now come from agriculture. Encourage people's representatives to enact laws regarding the use of fertilizers. Be sure to explain that by using fertilizers effectively, these rules can save farmers money as well as protect the environment.
Step 3. Tell your friends about things they can do to protect the ozone layer
It takes cooperation from all of us to reduce the widening hole in the ozone layer. Encourage your friends to take public transportation more often, eat less meat, buy local produce, and wisely dispose of fire extinguishers or refrigeration equipment that contains substances that can erode the ozone layer.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Habits to Protect the Ozone Layer
Step 1. Reduce the frequency of riding a motor vehicle
Nitric oxide is now the largest waste product of human activity that can erode the ozone layer (as well as a very dangerous greenhouse gas), and it is produced in the internal combustion that powers most cars. In the United States, approximately 5% of all nitric oxide pollution is generated from vehicles. To reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide your car produces, consider doing the following:
- Doing car pooling or joining other people's cars in the direction of our goals
- Take public transportation
- Walk
- Riding a bicycle
- Ride a hybrid car or an electric car
Step 2. Eat less meat
Nitric oxide is also produced when fertilizers decompose, so that chicken and cattle farms produce the gas.
Step 3. Buy local products
The longer the distance the food or item has to travel to get to your hands, the more nitric oxide is produced by the machine that brings the item to you. By buying local produce, you are not only getting the freshest or newest items, but also protecting the ozone layer.
