What+can+we+do+to+prevent+Acid+Rain?!

It may seem like there is not much that individuals can do to stop acid rain. However, environmental problems -- including acid rain -- are caused by the combined actions of individual people. Individuals can take part in solving these problems as well. One of the first steps is to assume responsibility for the problem by finding out what can be done. Each person who turns off the lights when no one is using them and uses energy-saving appliances reduces the amount of electricity a power plant has to produce. When less power needs to be produced, pollution from power plants decreases. Car-pooling, using public transportation, and walking reduce the pollutants that come from vehicles. The sum total of all these individual actions can be very great indeed. The more informed people are about acid rain and other environmental problems, the more they can do to make the earth a cleaner, healthier place.

Reducing Acid Rain:
 * Understand acid deposition’s causes and effects
 * Clean up smokestacks and exhaust pipes
 * Use alternative energy sources
 * Restore a damaged environment
 * Look to the future
 * Take action as individuals

Indoors- In the Yard-
 * Run the dishwasher only with a full load.
 * Run the washing machine with a full load.
 * Buy energy efficient appliances.
 * Avoid the use of air conditioners altogether.
 * Hang dry some or all of the laundry
 * Don't use sink garbage disposal units.
 * Consider changing to a low maintenance landscape.
 * If you have a pool, keep a cover over it when you are not using it.


 * Walk, ride your bike or take a bus to work.
 * Share a ride with a friend or co-worker.
 * Drive at moderate speeds.
 * Take the train or bus on long trips.

• Greater subsidies of public transport by the government to encourage people to use public transport rather than always travelling by car. • Every individual can make an effort to save energy by switching off lights when they are not being used and using energy-saving appliances - when less electricity is being used, pollution from power plants decreases. • Walking, cycling and sharing cars all reduce the pollution from vehicles **Restoring the Damage done by Acid Rain** Lakes and rivers can have powdered limestone added to them to neutralise the water - this is called "liming". Liming, however, is expensive and its effects are only temporary - it needs to be continued until the acid rain stops. The people of Norway and Sweden have successfully used liming to help restore lakes and streams in their countries. A major liming programme is currently taking place in Wales.
 * [[image:http://www.ypte.org.uk/UserFiles/Image/Factsheet%20images/car.gif width="238" height="126" align="right" caption="estate car exhaust fumes"]]Conserving Resources**