For national Clean Air Day today, the managing director of bus company Stagecoach West RUPERT COX makes suggestions of how everyone can help to reduce air pollution and keep the air we breathe clean.

“Air pollution not only presents a huge climate change problem, but it is also detrimental to our health. For the first time there is a government consensus that action must be taken and councils across the country, including Swindon, have made Air Quality Action Plans to improve the air we breathe.

“This is a great start, however, as a community, we all have an important role to play and there are simple changes we can make in our everyday lives that will have a huge impact. “

Keep kitchens smoke-free

“When cooking, keep the lids on pots whenever possible. Leaving them off means your hob requires more energy to stay at temperature which can dramatically increase the amount of pollution. Cooking with lids on will also reduce the amount of moisture in the air, keeping mould at bay.”

Reduce car journeys

“Most pollution on our roads comes from cars and vans. Switching to electric vehicles is the best way to eliminate pollution, but that isn’t possible for everyone. Reducing the number of short car journeys and taking the bus are great alternatives.

“We have invested £13 million in 75 Euro 6 buses across Stagecoach West since 2017. Euro 6 buses are up to 95 percent cleaner than earlier models and are more eco-friendly than most cars. Buses also offer significantly more carrying capacity than standard cars, which takes more cars off the road, especially now that carpooling is not an option.”

Reduce chemicals in the home

“Avoid using too much cleaner and stick to fragrance free wherever possible. Instead of using aerosols, which contribute to indoor air pollution, use alternatives.

“For example, roll-on deodorant instead of a spray and open the windows for fresh air instead of using air freshener. If you are planning on redecorating – as a lot of us have been during lockdown – choose paints that have a ‘low VOC’ label; these indicate lower rates of volatile organic compounds which can be harmful when inhaled and are polluting to the environment.

“This Clean Air Day make a switch, break a habit or try something new. It isn’t too late to help improve the environment we live in, not just for ourselves, but for future generations too.”