Citizens in Beijing are finding personal solutions to the smog problem. Instead of just waiting for the government to reverse the effects of smog or eradicate the smog, residents in Beijing participate in protecting their health and those of their families by inventing and innovating, which, according to reports, could be helpful on a global scale.
One simple and cost-efficient way of solving Beijing's smog problem is by monitoring its progress. Zou Yi, a resident of central Beijing, has been capturing photos of the sky in the last four years. The photos showed variations of sky colors, said a report from Fox News. Sometimes, they showed dirty brown to gray, with sprinkles blue. There were also photos where buildings are not visible.
The photos were shared on Zou's Wiebo and WeChat accounts, which are being patronized by hundreds of thousands of netizens.
Zou then put up the Beijing Air Now, a non-government organization, which collaborates with scientists dealing with air pollution across the globe, a report said. The photos are being used by scientists to analyze the tint on the images.
Another approached in dealing with air pollution is by using an industrial-grade air filtration system that could suck in outdoor air, purify it using three types of filters, and distribute the air around one's house. With this kind of air filtration system, residents can stay inside their homes without the dangers of air pollution.
Another resident invented a device to monitor the air pollution levels indoors. Yann Boquilod, a Frenchman residing in Beijing, established his business, Air Visual, which is a portable air-monitoring device. It tells the levels of carbon dioxide indoors.
His business also provides readings of air pollution levels from around the world and shares real-time map in 3D of the air pollution levels from all over the globe.
Of course, the cheapest solution is to wear face masks to block smog from being inhaled. Masks in Beijing vary according to features, with some having extra layers.