Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging everyone to be part of a collective effort to reduce air pollution on 8 October and throughout the year by taking part in Clean Air Day.
Many people in the borough have embraced walking, cycling and general exercise in recent months. They have grabbed the opportunity to walk along the coastal paths, dander along the beach, cycle on the Greenway and perhaps walk or cycle to the shops.
But as society attempts to make tentative steps to return to business as usual, everyone is being encouraged to forget old habits and try to maintain these new activities by incorporating them into their daily lives.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, said:
“During lockdown, there was a noticeable reduction in air pollution relating to vehicle emissions. Now that many people are returning to work and students have returned to school, we want to encourage everyone to try to maintain the momentum of living a healthier lifestyle by leaving their cars at home, when possible, and choose to walk or cycle. Not only is this healthier but it helps to reduce air pollution and is better for the environment which ultimately benefits everyone.”
There is no better time to start than Clean Air Day on Thursday 8 October. So why not try to leave the car at home and get on your bike, or your feet. Your health and the environment will benefit!