For the third year running, Leicestershire County Council is marking Clean Air Day UK (Thursday 17 June) by renewing its pledge to continue to tackle air pollution and reduce carbon emissions.
It is encouraging people to get involved in the day by sharing a photo or drawing of what clean air means to you.
This can be whether clean air makes you think of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, the nature in your own garden, leaving the car at home, or enjoying a walk or a bike ride.
Share your photo by emailing or on the county council’s Twitter @LeicsCountyHall or Facebook page using #CleanAirLeics, and you will be entered into a prize draw to win either a Fitbit or a family pass voucher to Rutland Water.
It is fantastic to be supporting Clean Air Day for another year. Clean Air Day is an opportunity for us all to think about how our actions contribute to air pollution and what small changes we can make to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
We have ambitious plans to improve the environment here in Leicestershire. I encourage the public to get involved in our competition and let us know what is important to them in their environment.
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the environment
The latest statistics from Leicestershire County Council show that 33% of Leicestershire's carbon emissions across the county come from transport.
Advice on walking and cycling more, including route planners, training courses and walking maps can be found on the county council’s sustainable travel website: www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk
Air pollution can have serious negative effects on people’s health.
Our continued support of Clean Air Day and commitment to the environment show that we at the council are taking these health impacts seriously.
Person:Councillor Louise Richardson, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for public health
Clean Air Day is a national initiative to encourage people to think about how their every-day actions contribute to air pollution.
Global Action Plan, the organisation behind Clean Air Day, report that every year air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.
The county council’s competition closes on Sunday 20 June.