Islington Council backs first-ever National Clean Air Day with tips and advice for all

We can all do our bit to help cut down on air pollution and make our borough a healthier place for everyone – that’s the message from Islington Council as it marks the first-ever National Clean Air Day.

The council is taking action across the borough as part of the UK’s inaugural Clean Air Day today, encouraging businesses, community groups and individuals to improve local air quality by making small changes to their lives or the way they work.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Air pollution is a serious problem for every one of us and I am glad the first-ever National Clean Air Day is helping to put this firmly on the agenda.

“Air pollution can have serious health implications, so it makes sense that we all do our bit to tackle it. We recognise this and are leading the way with new initiatives and policies to improve air quality, and pushing the Government and City Hall to adopt the greenest policies possible.

“People might not realise that they too can help in the fight to cut air pollution, with simple steps to improve their own health and the air quality in their neighbourhood. From switching the car engine off when stationary to using car clubs, travelling by bicycle or walking instead, don’t forget that you can make a difference. Everyone will find there is something they can do to help clean up the air and be healthier.”

The borough’s anti-idling initiative, advising drivers to turn off their engines while waiting, will be in full swing around the Whittington Hospital in Archway, and the council’s Archway ZEN (Zero Emissions Network) team will be offering free coffee, pizza and advice to local workers and residents. They will also be showing off the electric scooters and cargo cycles available for local businesses to try out, aimed at further cutting down on emissions from deliveries.

Leaflets with handy tips and advice will be handed out to patients, staff and visitors at the Whittington Hospital, at the council’s Customer Service Centre and the Town Hall in Upper Street. Meanwhile Islington’s ZEN City Fringe team, which works in the south of the borough with Hackney and Tower Hamlets, will mark the day with the opening of a new parklet in Shoreditch.

As part of the campaign, council teams will also be promoting the free AirTEXT service, offering free bicycle checks and information on car clubs to residents, along with advice on how to minimise their day-to-day exposure to air pollution, such as by taking walking routes along quieter back streets.

For further information please contact:

Stephen Moore
Senior Media Officer
Islington Council
Upper Street, London, N1 2UD
Tel: 020 7527 8004
Alternative contact: Media line 020 7527 2307
www.islington.gov.uk
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