How can we protect the ozone layer?

Some of the ways to help protect and stop the depletion of the ozone layer include not buying products in aerosol cans, maintaining air-conditioning filters and units, using mass public transit or riding a bike instead of driving, and purchasing energy saving light bulbs and appliances. The ozone layer protects the earth from the suns harmful ultraviolet rays.

Over time, the ozone layer has begun depleting due to man-made chemicals and emissions from vehicles and large appliances. Because of the damage to this extremely important atmospheric shield, Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1990. The Clean Air Act required companies to stop producing products that damaged the ozone layer. One of these products is chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. These were used in a variety of products and caused significant damage to the ozone layer.

Even though the Clean Air Act regulates the use of chemicals that are harmful to the ozone layer, damage still occurs because of modern products. The ozone layer is expected to continue to deplete over the next few years. After the damage is controlled and the depletion stops, it is still likely to take around 60 years for the ozone layer to heal and build back up to its original state.