Why it matters: Air pollution affects everyone, but children are particularly vulnerable to harmful emissions, making education about air quality crucial for the next generation.
The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council's Environmental Protection team has made school visits a key part of its Clean Air Day 2025 campaign, reaching nearly 500 children across four primary schools with educational presentations about air pollution and practical steps they can take to help.
The details: On Tuesday, two officers visited Castle Hill Primary School to give a presentation on air quality to 240 pupils. This followed visits last month during Walk to School Week (19-23 May) when they joined morning assembly sessions at Cliff Lane Primary School, St Pancras Catholic Primary School and St Mary's Catholic Primary School.
The officers asked children to think about what they could do to help improve local air quality and make pledges to undertake these initiatives on Clean Air Day.
They also conducted anti-idling awareness work outside the school gates at St Mary's and St Pancras, encouraging parents to switch off their engines when parked near schools.
What's next: Today, the team will host an information stall at Ipswich Hospital, featuring educational materials, interactive activities for children, and practical advice on reducing air pollution. An anti-idling event will also take place at the hospital.
Earlier this week, officers delivered a webinar on air quality to healthcare professionals at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, organised in partnership with Ipswich Hospital, Colchester City Council, Suffolk County Council, and East Suffolk Council.
What they're saying: "Air pollution affects everyone, but especially vulnerable groups like children, elderly people, and those with health conditions," said Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council's portfolio holder for Communities and Sport. "On Clean Air Day we're raising awareness of the vital work we do monitoring and managing air quality across the Borough. We're also inspiring local people and organisations to take action that benefits both our health and the environment."
Councillor Lucy Trenchard, portfolio holder for Parks and Climate Change, added: "Every individual effort counts and contributes to reducing Ipswich's carbon footprint."
The bottom line: The council's educational approach to Clean Air Day demonstrates how engaging with young people can create lasting awareness about environmental issues while encouraging practical action from families across Ipswich.
