National Clear Air Day (19 June) is fast approaching and it’s the ideal opportunity to talk about how we travel, especially those shorter everyday journeys and how we can make them more sustainable, protecting our health and the environment from harmful pollutants.
Even though we often can’t see it, air pollution is linked to a range of health problems at every stage of our lives – from premature birth and effects on organ development in childhood, through to causing heart and lung disease, diabetes and strokes in adulthood.
By cleaning up our air, we can all benefit from immediate and lasting health improvements, and help ensure that future generations can live happier, healthier lives.
How can schools get involved?
- Ask families to leave their cars at home on Clean Air Day and beyond!
- Encourage everyone to walk, cycle or scoot to school instead, to improve air quality and road safety at the school gate.
- Those who need to drive, should park responsibly at least 10 minutes walk from school.
- Promote your Park and Stride location if you have one.
- Encourage parents not to leave their car engines idling, it is an offence under the Highway Code to leave engines idling unnecessarily while stationary.
Let us know if you have anything planned for Clean Air Day by emailing tracy.aitken@northumberland.gov.uk and check out our Padlet for some further information and resources.
You can find more information about Clean Air Day here:
Transform Our World: Clean Air for Schools Resources
