Education

In order to change the air quality picture in Western North Carolina, we must understand it and care about it. That requires that we get educated about the problem and the possible solutions.  It also requires that we educate and empower our children.  This is why so much of the Clean Air Community Trust's energy is dedicated towards contests and programs for youth because we want the next generation to be well-informed and prepared to make good choices.

 The air pollutants that you hear the most about are ozone and fine particles. Both are the result of coal burning power plants, internal combustion engines like cars and machinery and other sources. Thus, the thing that each of us can do to improve air quality is make our homes and businesses as energy efficient as possible, support and encourage renewable sources of energy, use non-polluting sources of transportation, and drive clean cars.  Ozone and fine particles have been shown to impair human health. Respiratory disease is on the rise in this country and it is linked to these pollutants.

 There are other serious air quality concerns including the emission of mercury and other toxins and the accumulation of carbon in our atmosphere.  You can find information about all of these issues by following the general links below.  For more on WNC local air quality resources, click here.  Many student and kid-oriented web sites are also listed below (most have alternate sections specifically for teachers).

Environmental Protection Agency   http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/air.html

American Lung Association    http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33691

EPA Energy Star Page    http://www.energystar.gov/

Clean Air Now Campaign    http://cleanairnow.org/

Air Quality Fun, Games, and Educational Links on the Web

Air Jeopardy, Air Avenger, coloring book, and air quality games:  http://daq.state.nc.us/airaware/ 

EEK! Environmental Education for Kids:   http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm 

Smogbusting and the History of Smog (created by kids, for kids):   http://www.aqmd.gov/kidspage/ 

EPA site for students (and a site for teachers):   http://www.epa.gov/students/ 

EXPLORE from EduGreen:   http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/explore.htm 

Breathe Easy Man, from Partners for Clean Air:  http://www.cleantheair.org/bem/index.shtml

Smog City interactive model:  http://smogcity.com/

Directory of other environmental education websites for kids and teens:  http://dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/School_Time/Science/Environment/Pollution/ 

Local Resources                   AQ-IQ Contest                   Air Pollution Solution Contest