Knowsley Council is supporting Clean Air Day on 19 June and urging residents to take some simple steps to improve air quality in the borough.
This year’s campaign, championed by Global Action Plan with the support of Health Equals, aims to highlight that air pollution affects us from before our first breath until our last.
Even though we often can’t see it, air pollution is linked to a range of health problems at every stage of our lives – from premature birth and effects on organ development in childhood, through to causing heart and lung disease, diabetes and strokes in adulthood.
Children, older people and people with existing health conditions are also disproportionately affected by air pollution. Find out more about the health effects of air pollution by visiting the Clean Air Hub.
By cleaning up our air, we can all benefit from immediate and lasting health improvements, and help ensure that future generations can live happier, healthier lives. The UK Government has committed to reviewing its air quality targets, and we can all play a part in making sure these targets are ambitious enough to ensure we can all breathe cleaner air.
Simple actions for cleaner air in Knowsley
Walk, cycle or use public transport
- Leave the car at home for short journeys.
- Use local walking and cycling routes.
Turn off your engine when parked
- Avoid idling
- It saves fuel and reduces harmful emissions.
Burn cleaner at home
- Use DEFRA-approved fuels and exempt appliances if you have a stove or fireplace.
- Never burn household waste or wet wood.
Ventilate your home
- Open windows regularly to reduce indoor air pollution from cooking, cleaning, and heating.
Shop local
- Support local businesses and reduce the need for long car journeys or deliveries.
Spread the word
- Share Clean Air Day messages on social media.
- Talk to friends, family, and neighbours about the importance of clean air.
More information and ideas on things you can do to reduce air pollution are available on the Clean Air Hub.
What is Knowsley Council doing?
Knowsley Council’s Air Quality Strategy 2024-2027 priorities aim to improve air quality across the borough, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment for residents and businesses.
The strategy was developed following extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. It aligns with the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and supports the Council’s goal of ‘Net Zero’ emissions from its own estates and services by 2040.
The plan outlines four key priorities: reducing emissions from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources; mitigating emissions from transport; raising public awareness and encouraging behaviour change; and improving indoor air quality.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Clean Air Day, it’s a chance for us all to find out more about air pollution – how it can impact our health and to discover the simple actions we can all take to make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone. Opting to leave the car at home and instead walk or cycle to school or work, is probably one of the easiest ways we can all do our bit to cut air pollution.
“As a council we are committed to reducing emissions from our own buildings and services to net Zero by 2040 and improving local air quality will be one of the positives to come about as a result of this action.”
To get involved in clean air day and learn more about how air pollution could be impacting your health, visit the Clean Air Day website.