Source: Stacey Semiklit

8. Air pollution


8.3 What you can do

We can all do things to minimise the amount of air pollution we create. You can:

Bike lane in Canberra. Source: Richie Southerton.
  • Avoid using your fireplace if you have one – use an electric heater instead. If you have a wood heater at home, check out the Wood Heater Removal Program to see if your family is eligible for a rebate.
  • Educate others about the pollution created by burning wood. Not everyone knows that wood heaters harm the environment and our health!
  • Walk, ride your bike or use public transport instead of travelling by car – this will reduce your emissions from transport.
  • Buy local products and food, as these have fewer transport related air pollution emissions than ones grown or manufactured far away.
  • Reduce the amount of waste you send to landfill by recycling and composting. Transporting waste creates emissions, and methane released from landfills pollutes the air.
  • Establish a school environment committee to come up with ideas and actions to improve air quality at your school and at home – for example, installing better insulation to keep smoke and other pollutants out.

The Sustainable Schools Program provides free support to ACT schools to improve sustainability on campus. Visit their website to find out how you can get your school involved today!