Today is Clean Air Day, a day that encourages everyone to consider what actions they can take to tackle the problem of air pollution.
Both long-term and short-term exposure to low levels of air pollution can impact our health, and contribute to a variety of illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, and cancer, the young and elderly being particularly vulnerable.
We know that by working together with communities and businesses, we can work towards cleaner air in Elmbridge.
How you can help
You can make small lifestyle changes to reduce air pollution:
- Travel actively. Give the car a rest and walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work, school or do the shopping.
- If driving is necessary, consider car sharing or switch to an electric vehicle. We have installed many charging points across the borough. To find out where they are, see Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points.
- Avoid having bonfires, and ensure any wood burning stove you own is an eco design and you use approved wood. That way you reduce the small and harmful particulates.
- Stop idling. Switch off the engine when your vehicle is stationary. It is considered idling when the car has stopped and the engine has been running more than 30 seconds. Read more about the impact of idling
- Embrace sustainable energy practices. Look into switching to cleaner energy sources and providers to reduce energy consumption in your home. Use energy-efficient appliances.
- Grow a cleaner future. Participate in tree-planting initiatives or support organisations that focus on creating and maintaining green spaces. Trees are the ultimate carbon capture and help combat air pollution while greening enhances the places we live and our surroundings.
Calling all businesses. Take the pledge to help reduce air pollution
Join our idle free journey and sign the pledge to become an idle free organisation. This pledge encourages you and your employees to switch off your engine when delivering, waiting, on a lunch, charging a phone or using air conditioning.
Once you have taken the pledge, you will receive a useful anti-idling pack to encourage you and your employees to switch off your engines with posters and anti-idling car/shop window stickers.
To sign up and receive a pack, please contact climatechange@elmbridge.gov.uk.
What we are doing to combat air pollution
We are committed to tackling air pollution and safeguarding our residents.
In 2019, we declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to become a carbon neutral council by 2030.
The borough’s Air Quality Action Plan 2021-2026 sets out how together with partners we aim to improve local air quality. This is embedded within our Vision 2030 for a sustainable, thriving Elmbridge driven by the power of our community.
We take regular air quality measurements across the borough and invite residents to sign up to airAlert to receive alerts when air pollution levels are high in your area.
Combined small changes can make a big difference
For more ideas, visit our improving-your-local-air-quality web page to understand how you can take to improve air quality in Elmbridge.
Remember, every action counts. For more information, visit our Sustainable Elmbridge website.