Newham Council is teaming up with ABB FIA Formula E and a host of other organisations for fun-filled events to mark Clean Air Day on Thursday June 16 at 1000 Dockside Road, E16 2QU.
The theme for this year’s Clean Air Day is: ‘Air pollution dirties every organ in the body’. Air pollution contributes to lung disease, heart disease, dementia and strokes.
Council teams will be joined by Formula E, Asthma + Lungs UK and Repowering London to raise awareness of air quality, and how air pollution, especially dangerous emissions from vehicles, damages our health and the environment. It will also highlight the simple steps that can be taken to protect both, such as using sustainable transport like cycling, recycling more and reducing energy use and food waste.
Air pollution in Newham is worse than anywhere else in London. Poor air quality in the borough kills around 100 Newham residents every year. Newham also has one of the highest percentages of under 18s receiving prescribed medication for asthma in the country.
The Council’s response to the Climate Emergency is to introduce a range of programmes to achieve carbon neutral by 2030 and net zero by 2045.
The Clean Air Day event will give residents the chance to drive simulated Formula E emission-free cars, give cycling a go, take part in sustainability workshops, get cycle maintenance advice from Dr Bike, find out more about the benefits of recycling, get advice from Nutrition Kitchen on healthy food options, look into energy support and renewable energy and learn how to improve their health and the environment.
Schedule of events
Clean Air Day (inside the building):
| 10am | Opening ceremony. View artwork by Drew Primary School students. (Schools only) |
| 11am | Air pollution & me – why does breathing clean air matter? Schools workshop hosted by Asthma + Lungs UK (ALUK) with asthma clinician. (Schools only) |
| 12-1pm | Driving experience. Formula E. Drive simulated car. (Schools only) |
| 1-2pm | Formula E meet and greet. |
| 2-3pm | FIA Girls of Track. Sustainability, air quality and health workshop by Formula E. |
| 3-4pm | Solar PV / Energy workshop delivered by University College London and Repowering London. |
| 5pm | Close the event. |
Clean Air Day (outside the building for all residents):
| 12-5pm | Dr Bike surgery (12-4pm) and cycling workshops by Cycle Confident. Bikes stand offering people free Brompton hire for 90 days. A marquee with snacks and cold drinks for people to sit, chat and relax. |
For more information see: www.newham.gov.uk/events/event/95/clean-air-day