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'Show the Air You Care'

Show the air you care

Tackling air pollution remains a top priority for Cheshire East because air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. Short-term exposure to pollutants such as Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause inflammation of the airways, exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma and is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children, the elderly, and those with existing heart and lung conditions.

 

Whilst air quality has improved significantly in recent decades and will likely continue to improve due to national policy decisions, newer car technology etc, it is important for the Council to continue to take steps to address air quality within the borough.

Everyone has a role to play in having a positive impact on air quality in Cheshire East – and the council wants to inspire everyone to take simple actions to help reduce air pollution and limit its impact on people’s health. Let's 'Show the Air You Care'.

Key questions

 

What is air quality?

Air quality tells us how healthy the air is to breathe. If the air quality is bad then it has more harmful things in it. Good air quality tells us that there is less pollution and it is better for us to breathe.

What is air pollution?

The air that we breathe is made up many different gases. Some of which are natural and essential for life. Air pollutants can be released from natural sources such as volcanoes, but humans are responsible for a large proportion of the pollution in our air today.

What pollutes the air?

A lot of things that make our lives more comfortable such as cars, electricity and heating create pollutants but make the air dirty. Sometimes we cannot see air pollution but other times it can be seen in the form of smoke or dirt.

Why is it important to keep the air clean?

The release of air pollutants must be kept to a minimum, as some of the pollutants can be harmful, not only to us humans but to wildlife and our environment.

How does it affect me?

If you are sensitive to air pollution you might start to cough or find it difficult or painful to breathe when air pollution is high, especially if you are running around outside or playing sport. Some people might not be affected at all.

What can I do to help?

We could all help to reduce pollution from vehicles by using our cars less. Instead of using a car for short trips to school or to the shops, try to walk or ride a bike. By changing our behaviour and following the advice below, we can all make a positive impact on air quality.

Give your car the day off

Car drivers can be exposed to twice as much air pollution inside their car as pedestrians, so try cycling or walking when you can, especially for short journeys

Cycling and walking is also good for your mental health and fitness too. Regularly committing to Footstep Friday or Cycle Saturday, will make you feel better, whilst also helping to reduce air pollution

If you are not able to leave your car at home, try parking further away and walking some of your journey

Discover the side streets – use quieter streets to avoid polluted main roads

Cycling/walking the school run sets a good example to your children and provides you both with an opportunity to be active - pick one day when you can leave the car at home and walk or cycle

get-on-your-bike2-900x400px
Switch off your engine when stationary

Don't idle

Leaving your engine running when your vehicle is stationary is called idling

Vehicles idling while stationary cause unnecessary use of fuel, an increase in emissions, a noisy environment, especially for residents and businesses and is also an offence under the Road Traffic Act

In modern cars, idling can actually increase wear and tear on the engine as it leads to incomplete fuel combustion and the build up of residues. Idling can cause damage to cylinders and the exhaust system

By not idling, you reduce the level of harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere and help to make your local environment cleaner and safer for everyone

Show the air you care turn your engine off leaflet (PDF, 642KB)

View our dedicated page on vehicle idling

Go electric

There are lots of ways you can travel electric. Hire an electric car, taxi or test drive an electric vehicle

Thinking about changing your car - look for a more economical vehicle that can reduce the amount of money you spend on fuel and the amount of pollution you create

Consider a low-emission vehicle such as electric, plug-in hybrid or LPG. Technology is evolving all the time to make these vehicles an affordable option

If an electric vehicle is not an option, then consider using public transport. By using a bus or train you are reducing the number of cars on the road

View our dedicated page on electric vehicles

Drive down emissions
Fuel for thought

Watch what you burn

Only burn dry, well-seasoned wood or smokeless fuel on your stove, open fire or barbecue to reduce harmful air pollution. Using dry wood significantly reduces harmful emissions and it actually produces more heat.

Maintaining your stove or open fire and using the right fuel can make a big difference to our air quality. Book a sweep - around 40% of chimney fires in England take place between January and March.

Purchase your stove from an approved retailer and make sure it is installed professionally. Stoves that are sold need to be ecodesign ready. Further information can be obtained from the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) website.

Smoke Control Areas are in existence in some areas of Crewe, Wilmslow, Handforth and Disley in order to control the types of fuel that can be burnt on heating appliances. 

Only smokeless fuels (anthracite, semi-anthracite, electricity, gas and low volatile steam coal) can be burnt on heating appliances within Smoke Control Areas, unless the particular appliance has been approved by Defra.

Show the air you care by burning better leaflet (PDF, 642KB)

View our dedicated page on domestic burning

What can schools do

We have produced a free education package for delivery in schools to raise awareness within Key Stage 2. The aim is to educate children about air pollution and the effects it can have on health. The lesson is around 45 minutes and links into the National Curriculum. Email us if you would like us to visit your school.

Download and use our Schools Anti-Idling Resource Booklet to champion no idling in your school. 

Contact Living Streets to sign up to the WOW - the walk to school challenge.

Park and stride - encourage parents on the school run to park further away and make the school entrance a car free zone or consider encouraging walking buses.

Bikeability training is offered at schools to give children the skills they need to enjoy cycling from an early age. Email enquiries@everybody.org.uk for more information or visit www.travelcheshire.co.uk.

Visit the Sustainable Modes of Travel to Schools (SMOTS) Strategy to learn how we can help enable and encourage sustainable travel to and from schools.

The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust will run the largest active travel challenge in the UK - Big Walk and Wheel. It will run for 10 days from the 16 March and is open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK. It is free to take part and there are daily prizes to be won. 

Asthma + Lung UK have developed the Clean Air Champions package for primary schools. It is a programme for students to become ambassadors for clean air.

Cycle to School Week 12-16 October 2026

School walk not school run
Education posters

Education package for schools

Parkroyal Community School in Macclesfield have recently taken advantage of our education workshop for children in Years 5 and 6.

Teacher, Ms Jenner said, "I just wanted to say thank you so much to your team for delivering the workshop this morning, which was so engaging and informative. The children really enjoyed it and undoubtedly learnt a lot too".

Well done to all the children who produced some excellent posters after the workshop. It was so hard to choose but displayed here are the top three.

Contact us to book a workshop for your school airquality@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Page last reviewed: 25 August 2026