Clean Air Day 2023: What is it and why is it important?
What is Clean Air Day?
Clean Air Day is an annual event that raises awareness of the problem of air pollution and encourages people to take action to improve air quality. The event is organized by Global Action Plan, a UK-based environmental charity.
Why is it important?
Air pollution is a major public health problem, affecting millions of people around the world. It can cause a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. This year, the Clean Air Day theme is “Clean Air for Mental Health” and highlights the growing evidence that air pollution can have a negative impact on mental health, with studies showing the increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
How can I get involved?
There are many things you can do to help improve air quality. Here are a few ideas:
- Walk, cycle, or take public transportation instead of driving. This will reduce the amount of air pollution from vehicles.
- Use public transport or car share when you can. This will also help to reduce air pollution.
- Drive less aggressively. This will help to reduce emissions from your vehicle.
- Keep your car well-maintained. This will help to reduce emissions from your vehicle.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. This will help to reduce air pollution from power plants.
- Recycle and compost. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills, which can release methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to air pollution.
- Support businesses and organizations that are working to improve air quality. This could include businesses that use renewable energy, organizations that plant trees, or organizations that advocate for clean air policies.
By taking these simple steps, you can help to make a difference in the fight for clean air.
To read more about how you can get involved, you can visit the Clean Air Hub.