5 ways we can all help fight against air pollution – Positive news



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To mark the launch of the #AirWeShare campaign, members of the Hubbub charity suggest five ways to avoid or reduce air pollution.

Launched this week, the #AirWeShare campaign is driven by Hubbub – a charity that seeks to engage mainstream consumers in important sustainability issues. In addition to providing practical advice on how people can protect themselves and their families, he is looking to form a coalition of companies interested in testing new ways to reduce air pollution.

To find out more about how people are exposed to air pollution, Hubbub conducted air quality monitoring with 10 people in London, in partnership with King's College London. Participants with different hobbies, occupations and travel routines carried portable pollution monitors for a week.

Monitors have detected black carbon levels that, in an urban environment, are most likely to come from vehicle exhaust gases. Black carbon is strongly correlated with PM 2.5, known for their adverse effects on human health. Hubbub says the results show how each person experiences pollution differently – and that everyone can probably do something in their day to reduce their exposure.

One participant, Kacie Curtis, a graduate student, told Positive News: "The study revealed that I am the most exposed to air pollution while waiting for my bus to go to school. It's a busy road and there are so many big cars passing with one person, so it's not surprising that the area is polluted.

"It's really disturbing when you look at the relationship between air pollution and adolescent mental health issues, and I hope we can do more to stop people from being so ridiculous when driving everywhere.

Dharmika (center photo) participated in the monitoring of air quality during his travels in London

5 things people can do to avoid or reduce air pollution, by Hubbub

1. Use cars less

Where it's easy to change stores, choose public transportation instead of taking a car for your trip or going between meetings. If you walk or ride a bike, you can help keep the air clean, stay in shape and you are generally less exposed than you would in a vehicle.

2. Reorder your trip

By traveling the return lanes away from busy roads, you can greatly reduce your exposure to polluted air. Try downloading the Citymapper transport app and selecting "The Quiet Route" when looking for a way to get from A to B.

3. Change the delivery habits

About 40% of us have deliveries to downtown workplaces, which directly creates more vehicles on the road, resulting in more traffic and pollution. Click & Collect is a simple and free alternative.

4. burn less at home

The burning of fuel in our homes contributes to pollution. By keeping your home comfortable and insulating well, you can lower the thermostat, helping to reduce pollution and save money on energy bills. If you need to use solid fuels to heat your home, make sure your stove meets legal requirements and use smokeless fuels.

5. Make your voice heard

Join a local campaigning group for change, such as Mums For Lungs and The Air Team, or contact your local employer or MP to ask them what they are doing to clean up our air.

To learn more about the #AirWeShare campaign, click here.

Selected Image: Ruben was one of the people who recently took part in air quality monitoring with the Hubbub charity.

All images: Hubbub

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