World Environment Day - How To Reduce Air Pollution

Celebrated annually on June 5th, World Environment Day raises awareness and encourages action for environmental protection. Here's how you can get involved!

Origin

World Environment Day (WED) began in 1972 at the United Nations General Assembly Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

The day was first celebrated in 1974 under the theme of "Only One Earth". However, this would go on to change in 1987, when a new theme and country would be selected for each year.

United Nations Flag (Source: Flickr)

Awareness

Over 140 countries now participate in WED each year and help raise awareness to a wide range of environmental issues. Issues, such as: marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.

The day is the UN's primary means of raising awareness and encouraging action for the global protection of the environment.

Bluebell woodland in England, UK (Source: pxhere)

2019 Air Pollution

Major corporations, NGOs, communities, governments and celebrities support WED. This support helps raise awareness for relevant environmental causes as well as bringing people together.

The 2019 theme for WED is air pollution, with the host country being China.

Tips to help the Environment and Reduce Air Pollution

So you want to help the environment and reduce air pollution? Go on you! See below for some of the easiest and most effective ways in which you can help.

1. Use public transport, or walk. This reduces the amount of pollution as well as traffic on the roads.
2. Buy local produce. Local produce not only supports local businesses and farms, but also has less distance to travel to reach you.

   
   Fresh fruit stall, High Street, Canterbry (Source: Geograph)

3. Eat less meat. Animal farming creates a lot of pollution. By reducing the amount of animal products you eat, you are reduce your carbon footprint; especially red meat.
4. Conserve energy. Conserving energy saves you money, as well as reducing pollution.
5. Reuse and Recycle. Finding a new use for old items is a great way to reduce waste, as well as pollution. This goes for buying second hand items, instead of brand new ones as well.

   
   Age UK charity shop,  (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Are you looking for even more ways to help the environment? Then why not have a look at some of our previous articles too? They're great for awareness, inspiration and taking action.

• Earth Hour: 5 Tips for Saving You Money and Energy
• 10 Tips for Saving Water on World Water Day
• Everyday Wildlife Protection on World Wildlife Day

The World Environment Day / Leydon Logo

Symbolising English Ivy climbing over it, the Leydon logo has been adapted for World Environment Day.

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is native to the UK, most of Europe and western Asia. According to NASA's Clean Air Study, it is one the top air-filtering plants and is capable of removing toxins such as: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air.

World Environment Day Leydon Logo

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. What changes do you think you could make in your day-to-day life?

As always, don't forget to share this article with your friends, so you can start helping to protect the environment together!