Clean Air Day 2022
Why is air quality important?
Air quality is something that the Council cannot tackle alone. Everyone – from residents to businesses to other public bodies – will need to play their part if we are to make Redbridge’s air clean, safe and healthy again.
Air quality is a serious widespread problem affecting the health and wellbeing of all who live in Redbridge, London and beyond. Short-term and long-term exposure can have adverse health impacts, leading to acute and chronic health issues, or the exacerbation of existing medical conditions. This can adversely affect the most vulnerable in our borough, particularly the young and elderly. It also lowers the effectiveness of the immune system, increases the risk of some cancers and can shorten lifespans.
Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.
The London Borough of Redbridge are committed to improving air quality in the borough and have produced and implemented an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) as part of our duty to London Local Air Quality Management. This Action Plan outlines the steps we will take to improve air quality in the borough 2020-2025.
Clean Air Day - 16 June 2022
Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign, bringing together communities, businesses, schools and the health sector.
The main objectives and aims of Clean Air Day are to:
- Focus attention on air pollution - By all acting together on the same day, Clean Air Day cuts through to new audiences.
- Showcase a cleaner air future is both possible and desirable - As well as more EV charging points and e-bikes on the roads, we are also seeing other innovative new ways of doing things, such as the NHS riverboat delivery service.
- Raise awareness and increase levels of air pollution busting behaviours - Most people (90%) now report doing at least one thing to help reduce outdoor air pollution.
Tips to get involved
While a large part of the pollution may come from industries and companies that are outside of our control, there are still many things we as individuals can do to make a difference to our air quality.
- Go Local - A great way to cut down on car journeys is to start travelling to shops in your local area by walking or cycling.
- Walk or cycle to school
- Start cycling or walking your commute
- Cut down on car journeys
- Give car-sharing a go
- Switch energy supplier
- Avoid burning at home
- Cut down on your meat and dairy intake
- Plant more trees and greenery
- Support Clean Air legislation
To find out more information, Sustrans gives some excellent information on air pollution and goes into more detail on the 10 things you can do to reduce air pollution today.
Find out how you contribute to clean air and what you can do about it using the Clean Air Calculator.
Events:
Join us on National Clean Air Day 2022 by taking part in reducing your own emissions at home with simple changes. Together we can make sure everyone has access to clean air!
Ride London (29th May 2022)
RideLondon returns (Sunday 29 May 2022) with a new format, exciting new routes and a new partnership with Essex County Council. At the heart of this celebration of all things cycling is the RideLondon-Essex 100 challenge – a unique opportunity to ride 100 miles on traffic-free roads through the heart of London and neighbouring Essex.
- Date - Sunday 29 May 2022
- Start - Victoria Embankment, from 06:00
- Finish - Tower Bridge, from 22:00
The Camden Clean Air Cycle Ride (12th June 2022)
With staggered starts, journey your way through the borough of Camden as part of this family-friendly, fun-packed event. The ride will begin and end in Granary Square.
- Date - Sunday 12 June, Granary Square
- Start - 09.30
- Finish - 16.00
All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on Air Pollution (17th June 2022)
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) will be hosting an online webinar on air pollution which will take place from 09:00 – 10:00 on Friday 17th June 2022. If you wish to join the event on the day then please use the following link - Register to join the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on Air Pollution.
