Get involved
Every Londoner is both affected by poor air quality and has a part to play in helping to improve it. This page highlights the actions you can take to both protect yourself from polluted air and help better the air around you.
Raise awareness
Talk to your friends and family to help raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution, how it impacts health, and how everyone can help make a difference.
See our page on air pollution and the Clean Air Hub, to learn more about air pollution and its impacts.
Reduce your exposure
AirTEXT measures pollution levels in London and predicts when the air pollution levels may be harmful. The service will message you by text (SMS), voicemail or email and will provide health advice depending on the level of pollution expected, such as carrying your inhaler or avoiding outdoor activities on polluted days. Sign up to AirTEXT via email or SMS.
Track up-to-date pollution levels in London via Londonair.
UK air pollution updates and forecasts are also provided by DEFRA via twitter (@DefraUKAir) and email alerts. You can also call 0800 55 66 77 for recorded information (see website for information about call charges).
Walk
Walking is great for your health and a wonderful way to get around London, particularly if your journey is less than a mile. You can use Walkit to plan low pollution and less busy walking routes to your destinations in London. You can also use Greentalk to map green walks, as well as finding out more around street trees in the borough.
Take public transport
There are many excellent public transport options available in London to help you get around. Visit Citymapper or TfL Journey Planner to plan your public transport route by bus, train, ferry, or tram.
Use a bicycle
Cycling around London is a great way to get where you need to go, while also exercising and helping to reduce vehicle traffic and associated emissions.
Those who live, work, or study in Hounslow can access a variety of cycling resources including free 1-to-1 or group cycle training, free cycle repairs, and a Try Before You Bike Scheme. Learn more about the cycling resources available to you in Hounslow.
Turn off your car
If you do have to take your car out and about, be sure to avoid idling whenever possible by turning the engine off when you are stationery or parked to reduce your vehicle emissions.
See Learn more about anti-idling in Hounslow.
Go electric
Diesel and petrol engines contribute significantly to air pollution in London. If you currently drive a diesel or petrol engine vehicle, consider switching to an ultra-low emission vehicle such as hybrid or battery electric vehicle when the time comes to replace your current vehicle. There are government grants available to help you purchase an electric vehicle and a home charging point.
Learn more about electric vehicle charging points in Hounslow and where you can find them.
Avoid using chimneys, wood burning stoves, and bonfires
Domestic biomass and solid fuel burning contributes to PM2.5 emissions. Simply not burning solid fuel at all is the best way to prevent PM2.5 emissions. If that is not possible, ensure you are using a DEFRA authorised fuel or an exempt appliance.
Use less gas and electricity
Combustion from gas boilers used for heating contributes to NOx emissions in London. Learn more about how to stop wasting gas and electricity.
Become an Environmental Champion
The Council's Environmental Champions Programme is a community volunteering opportunity to get residents from all parts of the borough to join us in making Hounslow a cleaner and greener place to live. Learn more about the programme and how to join here.
Join a Community Reference Group (CRG)
You can join one of our 2 Community Reference Groups, which are Cleaner Greener and Climate and Clean Air. Visit our pages on CRGs here.
Attend air quality events
Hounslow Council held our first Air Quality Summit on Tuesday 26 February 2019 at the Holiday Inn in Brentford, where Hounslow residents, organisations, and businesses were welcome to attend. Expert speakers spoke on the health impacts of air pollution, advances in monitoring air quality, and the latest interventions to reduce emissions (particularly in the transport field).
