What you can do to reduce air pollution

Ideas for reducing pollution from your home

Here are some simple things you can at home, and in other places, to help keep the air clean:

• Turn lights off when you leave a room and use energy saving light bulbs.
• Turn off electrical products, like TVs, when you’re not using them. Don’t leave them on standby.
• Make sure gas appliances and heaters are regularly inspected.
• If you’re buying a new boiler, choose one that’s low emission.
• Insulate your water heater and accessible hot water pipes.
• Don’t burn wood or coal in an open fire place. Instead, use an approved appliance or approved fuel.
• Turn the radiators or heating thermostat down and put on an extra layer.
• If you’re buying new appliances, choose low-energy star-rated products.

Ideas for reducing pollution when you drive

In Lewisham, the main source of air pollution is from vehicles. If you drive, there are a number of ways you can cut down on the amount of pollution you produce:

• Drive smoothly, within speed limits and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. This will use less fuel and reduce exhaust emissions.
• Maintain your car and keep the engine properly tuned and the tyres at the right pressure.
• Don’t sit with your engine idling. An idling engine can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion.
• Consider the lowest-polluting vehicle or a zero-emission electric car if you’re buying a new car or van.
• Walk, ride a bike or use public transport, instead of driving.

Monitoring air quality yourself

See a guide to monitoring air quality in London, below.