Take My Breath Away With Clean Air Day 2022
Maybe it’s all those nasty jet fumes that gave Tom Cruise grief and took his breath away back in the eighties. The new Top Gun film is in the news and the original theme tune is having a resurgence on the radio so we really had to take this opportunity to link it in with another current event… Clean Air Day.
Clean Air Day is the largest campaign in the UK designed to highlight awareness and inspire people and communities to take action to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
This year it is on 16th June and hopes to raise more awareness than ever about the impact of emissions on the quality of our air. And the focus is on our everyday emissions we can all influence (rather than jet fighters).
What happens on the day?
Schools, businesses and individuals can all sign up for free resources to support them in sharing the message about #cleanair.
As you can see, hashtags and mentions on Twitter are the main tools they use to get more people talking about the issues and solutions, but there are other ideas including talking to others about making at least one more journey by walking, cycling or wheeling as well as contacting local decision-makers (councillors or your MP) letting them know what would help you to make more active journeys in the local area.
They offer statistics and even copy-and-paste tweet ideas to highlight the messages about #AirPollution.
Why is this important?
Each year seems to be more important than the last, as we know that our individual actions are what will add up to greater change for our local air quality. For example, did you know that in the UK, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths?
According to research, 82% of people now think that reducing air pollution should be a priority in the UK (up 11% over the last 3 years). The campaign challenges all ages to highlight the impact of air pollution and to pledge to make at least one change to a journey or a habit that will have an effect on creating cleaner air.
How do I take part?
Head over to www.actionforcleanair.org.uk and take a look at the information on the website. When you are ready, you can download the free resources and social media pack. If you are a business, then visit the tab that will help you understand your role and how to get your business on board. If you are a school, then there are plenty of teaching resources available for free.
For those who are curious about the air quality in their area, use this simple online tool to get a free air quality report for your address. It’s set up by a not for profit organisation using data from Imperial College, London; www.addresspollution.org
If you are a Modeshift STARS school or business, then remember that Clean Air Day can count towards your accreditation – speak with your champion to find out more.
Whatever you choose to do to help reduce air pollution and support Clean Air Day, remember to shout about it on social media and raise the profile for your local area.
#CleanAirDay2022 #Pollution #ActiveTravel
Here at Brightwayz social enterprise we love to provide information and tips to help you, your colleagues, friends and family travel in safe, active, sustainable ways for everyday journeys.
Our unique range of products is here to help support your active travel campaigns and 100% of profits from sales is ploughed back to support the work we do. Take a look at our range here and find something to help you inspire others to travel in good ways.