Environmental awareness begins at an early age, and it’s never too soon to teach kids about how they can help improve our air quality. Young kids are particularly susceptible to long-term health impacts caused by summertime air pollution because their lungs are still developing. That’s where Scooter, our Spare The Air mascot comes in!

Scooter has one goal—to help teach kids (and kids at heart) how they can help Spare The Air! Everyone is affected by air pollution (although, some, more than others) and everyone can do their part to help reduce it.

Here are a few of Scooter’s tips to help kids Spare The Air:

• Learn All About Air Pollution – Scooter has a website, ‘Scooter’s World,’ full of kid-friendly information about summertime air pollution, its health impacts, and how to reduce it!
• Check the AQI – With the help of a grownup, kids can check the Air Quality Index (AQI). The daily forecast is posted on Facebook and X, and current conditions can be found on the Spare The Air website.
• Become a ‘Walk’-star – Walk or ride a bike or scooter to school to help reduce car emissions.
• Ask your parents to drive less – help coordinate a carpool with your friends for activities and sports.

We recently passed the halfway point of the 2024 Spare The Air season (the season ends on October 31!) While the region’s air quality has improved, there are always more improvements that can be made to help improve air quality and increase the environmental sustainability of our communities.