5 Ways to Celebrate Clean Air Day in Canada
Since the 1970s, Canada has worked hard to reduce air pollution across the country. And in that time, regulations and policies have clearly been working.
For example, emissions of fine particulate matter in Canada decreased by 54.4% from 1990 to 2014. Many other air pollutants have declined over time as well in the last few decades. Thanks to air quality researchers, we know that Canada is a shining example of how to improve air quality.
In Canada, Clean Air Day is an important event, given the country’s commitment to reducing emissions. It’s celebrated on the first Wednesday in June, and you can take part. Join us as we celebrate Clean Air Day and work towards a healthier future for all.
What is Clean Air Day in Canada?
Clean Air Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness about the impact of air pollution on our health and the environment. It’s a day when people from all around the world come together to take action and promote clean air.
However, Clean Air Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. For example, in the United States, it takes place on the first Wednesday in October. In the UK, they celebrate on the third Thursday of June.
In 1999, Canada declared Clean Air Day an annual celebration during Canadian Environment Week. Today, many air quality groups get together to organize events to celebrate it.
What Clean Air Events Can You Join?
Clean Air Day events and activities vary from country to country. Still, they all share the same goal of promoting clean air and encouraging people to take steps to reduce air pollution. Common activities include community events, educational programs, awareness campaigns about air pollution, and strategies to reduce it.
Here are some clean air quality events you can join in Canada:
How Can You Contribute to Cleaner Air?
While Canada’s air quality ranks among the cleanest in the world, air pollution is still a leading environmental cause of death. Air pollution results in approximately 15,300 deaths per year in Canada. To reduce that number, we must continue to take action to improve our air quality and mitigate the impacts of air pollution.
Here are 5 ways to contribute to cleaner air and improve air quality in Canada.
#1 - Reduce your carbon footprint
Reducing your carbon footprint means taking action to minimize the emissions you generate. By reducing your carbon footprint, you can help reduce your environmental impact. Here are some activities you can engage in to reduce your carbon footprint:
- Reduce energy use. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and reduce the use of heating and cooling energy.
- Drive less often. Try walking, biking or using public transportation, and choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle when you do drive.
- Support renewable energy. Install solar panels, support renewable energy policies and use green energy providers.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Use less harmful products. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
- Shop sustainably. Support environmentally friendly businesses and products that focus on sustainability.
#2 - Plant trees in your community
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. By removing these air pollutants, trees help improve urban air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. Additionally, many other plants can improve air quality.
No matter the size of your yard or garden…
You can contribute to cleaner air by being thoughtful about your green space.
When choosing plants to improve air quality, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the plants and the environment in which they grow. By planting a variety of plants, you can create a beautiful and healthy outdoor space that also improves air quality.
#3 - Learn about air quality and educate others
Learn more and teach children about air quality. Teaching people—especially children—about the impact of air pollution on their health and the environment can help them understand the importance of clean air and the role they can play in protecting it.
Furthermore, children are often more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution than adults. Educating children about air quality can help them understand the risks of exposure to pollutants. Then as they grow up, they’ll be able to better protect themselves and their communities.
Finally, by teaching children about air quality, we can inspire them to take action and become environmental activists. Children who understand the importance of clean air are more likely to make eco-friendly choices and advocate for policies that promote sustainability and protect the environment.
#4 - Join air quality organizations
There are several air quality organizations in Canada that members of the public can join to get involved in efforts to improve air quality. By joining one of these organizations, or others like them, individuals can help protect the environment and promote clean air.
Here are a few examples:
#5 - Invest in air quality monitors
By investing in air quality monitors and connecting them to air quality maps, you can contribute to monitoring air quality levels in your neighborhood and community research. Additionally, having a personal air quality monitor in your home, yard, or workspace can help you better understand air quality.
Celebrating Clean Air Day in Canada is an opportunity for us to take action and make changes in our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality, and protect the health of our communities. By planting trees, choosing eco-friendly transportation and supporting organizations promoting clean air—we can all make a difference in creating a healthier, more sustainable future.
So, let’s celebrate Clean Air Day by taking action to protect the air we breathe and create a better world for future generations.
Worried About Your Air Quality?
Monitor the Particulate Matter levels around the world with our free, real-time PurpleAir Map or join PurpleAir's mission to make air quality data accessible to everyone by investing in an air quality monitor for your home.
Together, we can be informed and make changes in our daily habits and the community to improve air quality.