Exclusive: Global Action Plan launches virtual Clean Air Day plans

Global Action Plan (GAP), the charity behind the UK’s largest air pollution campaign, Clean Air Day, has announced plans to take things online in order to make the day COVID secure. 

The Clean Air Day was due to be held on June 18, however, earlier this year GAP had to reschedule the event to October 8 to allow organisers enough time to team up with schools, workplaces and communities following the lockdown. 

GAP has since updated their resources so that the Clean Air Day can continue to provide the public with information on air pollution and can continue to encourage people to adopt low pollution behaviours while also being mindful of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Plans for the new Clean Air Day include digital leaflets and posters, school lesson plans and ‘How to guides’ such as organising ‘School Streets’ or running socially distanced ‘walking buses.’

Following the improvement to air pollution during the lockdown, the charity is challenging the government, businesses and local authorities to help keep air pollution down for good. 

Local authorities are being encouraged to communicate to residents about clean air by promoting the Clean Air Hub, a place where individuals can find everything they need to know about air pollution. 

Schools are being invited to hold their own Clean Air Day activities by running an air pollution assembly or hosting a socially distanced walk, cycle or scoot to school day. 

Businesses are also being encouraged to help employees to continue to work from home and charities are being encouraged to make their supporters aware of the role they can play on Clean Air Day.

Larissa Lockwood, director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan said: ‘Clean air was one of the few silver linings of the COVID-19 lockdown suffering.

‘Through our collective behaviours – working from home, walking and cycling instead of driving – we saw and experienced extraordinary improvements in outdoor air quality.

‘On Clean Air Day, and beyond, let’s keep doing these behaviours to keep our air clean. We can create a new normal with clean air by continuing to make these positive changes and keep healthy.

‘Visit the Clean Air Day website to find out how you can play your part on 8 October and beyond.’

For more information visit the Clean Air Day website.