#126: Garbage In, Garbage Out? (Friday, May 29)

L.A. sucks.
Originally uploaded by theecreeper

Since my theme this year is going green, I've gotten called a lot of names by friends: the eco-fanatic, Greenpeace, Hulk, and Kermit (that's my favorite, 'cos it's really not easy being green) to name a few.

Unfortunately, I don't think many people realize the long lasting effects of not adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Air pollution, for example, can be the source of many health problems (wheezing, coughing, respiratory diseases and asthma) and can even shorten one's life.

I was reading an ad on the subway this morning that NY has a carbon footprint that is 75% less than the national average, largely owing to the fact that many people use public transportation. It prompted me to research pollution levels across the country. I was suprised to find out that California, which I thought to be one of the most health-conscious states, is the most polluted state in the country. The state appears at least 4 times on each of the top polluted lists. Another surprise? New York doesn't appear on any of the lists.

Here is some food for thought, courtesy of City Mayors. It's especially noteworthy for people who have kids or are thinking of settling down in those cities (click here to read the entire article):

Most polluted US cities
(By short-term particle pollution)
1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2. Fresno, California
3. Bakersfield, California
4. Los Angeles, California.
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
7. Sacramento, California
8. Logan, Utah
9. Chicago, Illinois
9. Detroit, Michigan

Most polluted US cities
(By ozone pollution)
1. Los Angeles, California
2. Bakersfield, California
3. Visalia, California
4. Fresno, California
5. Houston, Texas
6. Sacramento, California.
7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
8. Charlotte, North Carolina
9. Phoenix, Arizona
10. El Centro, California

Most polluted US cities
(By year-round particle pollution)
1. Bakersfield, California
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3. Los Angeles, California
4. Visalia, California
5. Birmingham, Alabama
6. Hanford, California
7. Fresno, California
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Detroit, Michigan
10. Cleveland, Ohio

Remember, every little bit helps...opting to take public transportation even 1 day per week, could dramatically decrease your city's air pollution. What you inhale could be affecting your health.