May is Clean Air Month

It's a time when people recognize how we can improve our air quality and how we can reduce our carbon footprint.

History

Clean Air Month initially started as a week-long event in 1972, but gradually became a month-long event in 1994. Clean Air Month awareness campaigns help educate others on the impact of air quality and the next steps to improve air quality, whether that’s locally or globally.

How Does It Affect Us?

Air quality can become poor and even toxic which can harm the environment and human health. Toxic air quality can create serious health conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. In addition, toxic air quality caused by the burning of fossil fuels (from transportation and some electric generation) can release high levels of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide into our atmosphere, which can create acid rain. Acid rain can then affect our water systems, like our rivers and lakes, and damage those that create oxygen, like trees and other plants.

Clean Air Month helps us to learn how our daily routine can affect our air quality and learn some ways to improve our outdoor and indoor quality.

Bike to Work or Carpool Days

Biking or carpooling to work, school or while doing errands, can help improve our air quality by reducing our carbon footprint. Biking can also help improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Carpooling can also help build on relationships and friendships with the people you’re carpooling with. In addition, bicycling and carpooling can help save you money on gas. “Bike to Work Day” is observed on May 19, 2023.

Plant a Tree

Plant a tree for your neighborhood, community, or in your house. A tree will help provide shade and fresh air. Strategically placed trees around your house will not only provide shade, but also decrease the heat in your home, lowering your energy bills. In addition, one large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.

Attend a Community Event

Keep an eye out in your community for local events that may be happening that celebrate Clean Air Month. You may discover more ways how you can improve your air quality around you and meet others who are like minded. By attending local events, you can create a community around you, create memories, and create a collaboration with your neighbors and other community members.  

Schedule an Appointment

Synergy Companies can help you find ways to increase your home comfort and improve your indoor air quality while helping you save energy and money on your utility bills. You may even qualify for water and energy-efficient products and services at no cost to you. To make an appointment, you can call (800) 818-4298.

It's important to be mindful of our daily actions. Our actions can affect our health and environment. Learning these habits and spreading awareness can ultimately impact us positively only if we choose to do so.