How you can help improve air quality

Local air pollution has local causes. Here are some simple things you can do to help improve air quality in Waverley.  Please see our Clean Air Strategy for more information.

On the go

• consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle
• car share
• maintain your vehicle
• switch off your engine when sat in traffic
• walk and cycle where possible
• use public transport.

Get more ideas, details of local initiatives and advice on going electric from Surrey County Council's transport pages.

At home

• Insulate your home so there is less need to heat or cool it
• Turn the thermostat down
• Group online purchases to reduce the number of deliveries needed or, where possible, choose the 'green' delivery slot
• Instead of having bonfires, use other ways to dispose of your garden waste.
• If you choose to burn, follow Defra's practical guidance for open fires and wood-burning stoves. Advice is also available on how to Burn Better.
• Buy, store and season wood to get the most from your wood burning stove 
• If you purchase or replace a wood burning stove choose an appliance that is 'Ecodesign' ready.  These appliances produce lower particulate emissions and became law in the UK from 2022.
• Information on Wood burners and air pollution (Clean Air Hub)
• Be aware of the changes implemented by the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 which will require wood sold for burning to be certified as having a moisture content of less than 20% and ban the sale of traditional bituminous house coal from 1 May 2021 (you have a year to use up existing coal supplies).  Sales of loose coal via coal merchants will be banned from 2023.
• Surrey Air Alliance - advice on wood burning stoves (short animation video)

Reduce your exposure

• Choose quieter routes when walking or cycling
• Open your windows for ventilation when you cook, clean, do DIY or do other activities that release pollutants directly into your home
• Vulnerable people should check the latest UK Air pollution forecast
• Ventilate bathrooms to avoid steam or moisture build-up and mould growth
• Dust surfaces regularly to limit build-up of allergens
• Avoid burning incense or candles
• Use low-chemical cleaning products and paint (‘low-VOC’ content)