What you can do to improve air quality DRAFT

We can all make small changes to help clean up our air and protect ourselves.

Reducing and avoiding air pollution

• Change the way you travel - by walking, cycling, or taking the bus or train, you’ll cut down the amount of pollution you make, reduce your exposure to air pollution and get some exercise too!
• Choose quieter streets to walk on - taking a side street can cut your exposure to air pollution (remember to stay safe at night and keep to well lit areas).
• Walk on the inside of the pavement away from the kerb - air pollution can vary, even over small distances.
• Park away from schools and nurseries and walk the rest of the way. This can help reduce pollution where children gather - children are more vulnerable to the effects of air quality than most adults.
• Turn off your engine when stationary or parked.
• Try and save energy in your home. Don’t leave appliances on stand-by and turn off lights when you are not in the room.
• If you do have an open fire or wood burning stove, read this practical guide on using wood burning stoves or open fires efficiently to reduce the environmental and health impacts.
• Use energy efficient appliances, insulate your home, and regularly service your boiler.
• Use suitable heating appliances that burn clean fuel. Find more information on the Keep it clean page.

Eco-driving

Our cars are one of the main sources of pollution. Here are some simple tips to help you reduce your fuel consumption, save money and improve air quality:

• Don’t leave your engine idling, switch off your engine when stationary - car drivers are exposed to twice as much air pollution as pedestrians and nine times more than a cyclist.
• Avoid short car trips, could you walk or cycle instead?
• Slow down and drive smoothly. Driving at higher speeds and more aggressively causes tyre wear and higher fuel consumption. Keeping a greater distance between you and the car in front can help with this as it should reduce your need to brake.
• Don’t over rev your engine, particularly when starting the vehicle.
• Don’t sit and wait for the car to warm up, drive off as soon as possible.
• Check your tyre pressure - under inflated tyres will increase your fuel bills and increase vehicle emissions.
• Use air conditioning sparingly - A/C is a drain on the car’s engine.
• If you're buying a new car, explore an electric, hybrid or LPG model (to save on road tax too). Petrol cars are less polluting than diesel models.
• Electric cars - most mainstream car manufacturers offer an electric vehicle (EV) model. Increasing battery capacities to lengthen the driving range and support faster charging rates make EVs more attractive options. To find out more check out the eco-driving guide produced by Energy Saving Trust.