What can I do?

Find out how you can get involved in helping make the air cleaner for everyone

What can I do?

To make a real difference we all need to work together. Join Lewisham in their fight for cleaner air by doing the following:

Choose to walk, cycle, wheel or scoot

When you can, choose active travel for everyday journeys in the borough. Over the next 7 to 10 years, we’re improving roads, travel infrastructure and public spaces to make walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting easier and safer for everyone. 

 

For those who are able, walking and cycling are great ways to boost both physical and mental health. They can also save you money on fuel and parking and in many cases, cycling can be the quickest way to get from A to B. 

By choosing active travel, you can: 

 

  • cut your carbon footprint. Choosing not to travel by car is one of the most positive actions we can take for the climate and for our shared future
  • try new options. Electric Lime Bikes are available across the borough, and you may qualify for a discount through Lime Access 
  • help tackle air pollution. Saving car journeys for when they’re truly needed helps create cleaner air, safer streets and a healthier borough for everyone
  • electric vehicles do not release carbon emissions and are therefore a cleaner and greener way to drive. However, EVs do release brake pad and tire particles. These are still harmful to our lungs, and to wildlife

Things to do at home

You can keep warm at home without wasting energy.

  • switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs 

  • use a smart meter      

  • block draughts around doors and windows  

  • turn off lights and appliances when not in use   

  • use radiator reflector panels to keep heat in 

  • insulate your water heater and accessible hot water pipes  

  • set your thermostat to a steady temperature  

  • wash clothes at cooler temperatures and dry them outside when possible  

  • borrow a thermal camera to find where heat escapes in your home

  • if you’re buying a new boiler, choose one that’s low emission

  • if you’re buying new appliances, choose low-energy star-rated products

  • make sure your gas appliances and heaters are regularly serviced

  • only use coal fires, wood burning stoves or log burners, if you have no alternative source of heating or hot water 
     

Burning solid fuel releases harmful pollution into your home. Learn more about air quality and the health impacts of domestic wood burning.

 

See our climate action: cutting down on bills page for more advice. 

Switch off your engine

Leaving car engines running unnecessarily, also known as idling, pollutes the air and causes asthma and other lung and heart conditions in both children and adults.

  • with idling costing up to 3p per minute in fuel, it is cheaper to switch off your engine. If a vehicle idles for 10 minutes per day, within 6 months that will cost more than £58

  • say no to unnecessary idling and yes to clean air by switching off your engine whenever possible 

Better driving habits

Small changes to how we drive can make a real difference to air quality and cut down on fuel use.  Try adopting these habits: 

  • wherever possible, walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving to help cut on emissions 

  • drive smoothly, stay within speed limits, and avoid sudden braking or fast acceleration.  This uses less fuel and reduces exhaust pollution

  • keep your vehicle well maintained, regular servicing and correctly inflated tyres help your engine run more efficiently, reducing emissions

  • if you are buying a new car or van, consider the lowest polluting option, or a zero-emission electric vehicle to minimise your environmental impact

Air pollution calculator

Calculate your air pollution footprint using the air pollution calculator and create your own air pollution action plan.

Reducing exposure to air pollution

If you or someone you care for experiences breathing difficulties linked to air pollution, make sure medications, such as inhalers, and action plans include guidance on managing triggers like poor air quality. 

 

Some people with asthma may also find thunderstorms trigger symptoms, possibly due to pollen. During warmer months, keeping an eye on the weather forecast and knowing what to do if symptoms increase can help. 

 

Air pollution can be higher near busy roads in towns and cities, while rural areas may experience pollution from farming and increased ozone on sunny days. 

 

Indoor air quality matters too. Solvents, poor ventilation and the use of wood or coal stoves can all contribute to indoor pollution.

Reducing your contribution to air pollution

We can all take small steps each day to reduce air pollution. Our calculator can help you to see the changes you could make.

 

They could also help you to save energy, cut down on bills, and lower your impact on the climate. Learn more on our Climate Action page.

 

Speak to friends, family and neighbours to encourage them to take action too. Acting on air pollution helps us to build a cleaner, healthier and fairer borough for everyone.