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!
What you can do to improve air quality DRAFT
Reducing and avoiding air pollution
We can all make small changes to help clean up our air and protect ourselves.
Change the way you travel
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 inner side of the pavement
Air pollution can vary, even over small distances. So walk on the inner side of the pavement away from the kerb.
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 car engine
Turn off your engine when stationary or parked.
Save energy at home
Don’t leave appliances on stand-by and turn off lights when you are not in the room.
Use open fires and wood burners efficiently
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.
Keep your home energy-efficient
Use energy efficient appliances, insulate your home, and regularly service your boiler.
And 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 you 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 smootly
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
Avoid over-revving, particularly when starting the vehicle.
Don't sit and wait for the car to warm up
Instead of waiting for your 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.
Consider buying and electric, hybrid or LPG vehicle
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.