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Click the headings to learn how you can take action at home to reduce your exposure to common pollution and climate change impacts.

Stay cool this summer while pregnant!

  • Exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy, including in early stages of pregnancy, are associated with premature birth and stillbirth.
  • Exposure heat is a reproductive justice issue. Because of historic racist policies and ongoing discrimination, communities where people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and low wealth live are more likely to be hotter.

Tips to stay cool this summer:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Wear loose – fitting, light colored clothing made from cotton not synthetic materials, like polyester.
  • Avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day.
  • Apply cold, wet washcloths to the inside of your wrists and templates.
  • Take breaks in the shade or in an air – conditioned area if you work in a hot environment.
  • Use air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, spend time in public libraries, malls, or find your closet cooling center.
  • Use and electric fan if temperatures are also 95F (fans are not helpful if the temperature is higher than 95F).

Due to historic discrimination, people of color and low-income communities in the U.S. breathe in more polluted air. Higher exposure to poor air quality is connected to chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, asthma, emphysema, and cancer, among other health conditions.

What can you do?

  • Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area. The AQI provides details about air quality in your community. Type your zip code into the search feature: Air Quality Index (AQI) | AirNow.gov.
  • Wear a mask when air quality is unhealthy. Snug-fitting KN95 and N95 masks help block harmful air particles.
  • When the air quality is unhealthy, limit your time outside. If you are outside, take breaks from any activity you are doing.
  • Indoor air quality is important too. If you do not have air conditioning and need to open the windows for cooling on hot summer days, consider spending time in air-conditioned public places like libraries, the mall, and a local cooling center.
  • To improve indoor air quality while cooking, open windows, use your stove’s vent, or air out the kitchen with a fan.
  • Limit frying and other cooking methods that produce a lot of smoke.
  • Clean cooking appliances frequently to reduce burning leftover crumbs.
  • Use cooking oils that can be heated to a high temperature before they start burning. Examples include canola oil and peanut oil.
  • If you can afford to, consider buying a portable HEPA filter that you can move from room to room.
  • Do not use air fresheners and incense. Consider switching out store bought cleaners for homemade options using vinegar. Click here to see options for making your own cleaners.

Low-cost environmentally friendly tips

It can be overwhelming to consider switching to environmentally friendly practices. Sometimes, the suggestions also seem unrealistic for our budgets. The good news is that environmentally friendly practices often involve re-using materials and using low-cost ingredients. Here are a few suggestions for your household.

  • Use a reusable water bottle. The upfront cost of purchasing a water bottle may be more than a single use water bottle, but you can refill it from any faucet and it will last a long time.
  • Cut up old sheets or t-shirts to use as napkins or cleaning wipes instead of buying paper towels. Simply wash the cloths with your laundry when they need it and re-use.
  • Shop at secondhand clothing stores. Low-cost online clothing shops are referred to as “fast fashion” and are harmful to our environment. The fast fashion industry produces 92 million tons of waste and consumes about 79 trillion liters of water each year. Thrift stores are back in fashion again and are a great way to refresh your wardrobe at a low cost. Major clothing brands also now have their own second-hand stores such as Patagonia’s worn wear. There are also online thrift stores like ThredUp. Of course, we prefer you shop in person to prevent more trucks on the road!
  • Minimize food waste by meal planning. Plan your meals, use coupons, and buy in bulk where possible to save money and reduce packaging. Food waste – food that is unused and thrown away – contributes to greenhouse gases as it decomposes in landfills. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere and contribute to rising global temperatures.
  • Make your own eco-friendly and affordable cleaning supplies. Click here for instructions on how!