International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, otherwise known as World Ozone Day, is coming up soon! Held every year on the 16th September, it looks at what can be done to heal the ozone layer. Here’s more information and what you can do in your own life to get in on the positive action.
What It’s All About
This year’s event is called ‘Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes On’. It looks at the Montreal Protocol that has reached some of its goals when it comes to phasing out substances that diminish the ozone layer. Back in 1987, representatives from 24 countries met in Montreal to announce to the world the importance of no longer damaging the ozone layer. These countries pledged themselves to get rid of substances that are harming the ozone layer. If this activity continues, it can help to heal the ozone layer around the middle of the century.
It’s not all smooth sailing, of course. We are faced with many challenges to ensure that all those toxic substances are decreased. So, in line with that, this year’s theme is to encourage stakeholders to boost their work to deal with all the obstacles.
Save the Ozone Layer!
You can do your part to prevent toxic substances from destroying the ozone layer. The chemicals that cause damage to the ozone layer are known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and they are found in many products that should be avoided.
These products include:
- Aerosol sprays – avoid buying ones that contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). Check that the product says ‘CFC-free.’
- Air conditioners (in the home and car) – make sure your car’s air conditioning system is monitored for leaks as preventing and repairing leaks helps to lower the amount of ODSs that are released into the atmosphere.
- Refrigerators – buy ones without CFCs.
- Fire extinguishers – make sure they do not contain halogenated hydrocarbon as this is a very violent substance for the ozone layer.
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