How to take care of the ozone layer

The so-called ozone layer is a concentration of this gas that covers part of the atmosphere of planet Earth, in a strip between 15 and 50 kilometers high, and protects it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun by gathering 90% of the ozone present in the atmosphere. The action of chlorofluorocarbon gases (CFCs), present in many industrial and domestic uses, such as aerosols, destroys ozone molecules and has caused a hole in Antarctica the size of the United States, which is still open despite the Government efforts to reduce these harmful emissions. For this reason, we tell you what you can also do individually if you want to know how to take care of the ozone layer.

Steps to follow:

1. The ozone layer remained constant until the arrival of the industrial era and with it began a substantial decrease in the amount of ozone at the poles, mainly in Antarctica that was such that it is even known as ” the ozone hole “. The problem with the ozone hole is that the sun”s rays pass without the ultraviolet ray filter and its ability to cause skin problems in animals (including us humans) rises to impressive levels, some with triggers of serious diseases such as skin cancer or serious vision problems.

2. Limit the use of cars and devices equipped with an internal combustion engine. If you have a choice, use public transport or get around on foot or by bicycle.

3. Take care of your driving. Do not drive with sudden accelerations or go at high speed, since you will consume more fuel to travel the same distance. If you are going to be stopped for more than a minute, do not leave the engine running.

4. Don”t buy spray cans or aerosols that contain CFC gases. Check on the packaging that it contains a distinctive or a logo that indicates it, almost all have it. Likewise, it is necessary to avoid consuming foods packed in boxes made with polystyrene foams and do not buy synthetic foams that contain CFCs, since they are sometimes also used to make these materials.

5. Buy low-consumption light bulbs and replace the conventional ones that you have in your house, since they need less electricity and, therefore, require the use of fewer natural resources and emissions to produce that amount of energy.

6. Carry out a good maintenance of the freezer and the air conditioning, since if they break down, they could cause a leak of these gases to the outside. If you are going to buy a new appliance, buy one that meets the environmental sustainability requirements and does not contain the aforementioned CFCs, and if you notice that the appliance in question no longer cools barely, contact a technician.

7. If you have to buy fire extinguishers, check that they do not contain halons, since these substances are also harmful to the ozone layer.

8. Do not leave electrical appliances on in stand-by mode, since at the end of the year they also represent a significant electrical cost for the house. Study which appliances use more electricity in your home and try to reduce their use or replace them with more efficient models, if you can. Your pocket will also appreciate it.

9. In addition to taking care of the ozone layer, you must take care of yourself to avoid having any health problem related to it, follow these tips and you will be fine:

• If you go in the sun, wear glasses with UV protection (ultraviolet)
• Wear hat
• Do not expose yourself to the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Use creams with approved sun protection

That”s it, by following these simple tips you will be contributing to the ozone layer. Also, if you are interested, you can contribute to environmental associations so that they pressure powerful nations with laws and regulations related to environmental care.

10. Don”t throw your old air conditioner, refrigerator, or freezer in the landfill or garbage can. Take it to a clean point where the polluting residues inside can be properly treated.

11. Create awareness among your loved ones, especially among the little ones, so that they learn to take care of their environment and naturally assume sustainable habits.