This is a sponsored post in support of National Clean Air Day 21 June 2018
Did you know National Clean Air Day is 21 June 2018?
If you didn’t… you do now.
Did you also know it’s estimated as many as 40,000 deaths each year are caused by the air we breathe when we are out and about?
I didn’t. It’s quite a daunting figure, isn’t it?
What we need are some:
Tips for reducing air pollution outdoors
Here are 5 things (apart from driving less and driving generally more mindfully!) that we can all do to reduce (and avoid) outdoor air pollution:
1. Take to the side streets:
Start with this super simple tip that’s so easy to do – take to the side streets when walking and cycling for less exposure to air pollution. Doing this could reduce your exposure by up to 20%.
2. Avoid strenuous activity when pollution is high:
Staying active is important, but do remember there are approximately 10 to 20 high pollution days a year when it’s better to avoid working out too hard if you have a heart or lung condition. If you are at risk, then take it easy on those days.
3. Be mindful when burning wood:
We all love the look and feel of a wood-burning stove, but stick to the cold-months before cranking it up. Burning wood produces a lot of air pollutants. To minimise your contribution to air pollution buy a Defra-approved stove and use authorised fuel.
4. Consume less energy = produce less pollution:
Gas and electricity are big contributors to air pollution. There are lots of things you can do to conserve energy (and lower your bills), such as switching off the lights, filling the kettle with just what you need, and only running the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load. Use common sense to consume less!
5. Recycle your compostables:
I’ve saved the one closest to my heart for last!
Rather than burning your garden waste, compost it and turn it into food for your vegetable patch. After all no waste tastes great!
What are your plans for National Clean Air Day? Why not ditch the car for the day? Find a home in the garden for a compost bin? Or even consider hosting an event to raise much needed awareness! For more information on how to do this in your community, at work or in school head on over and check out their website
