Spare the Air Improving Air Quality Awareness Campaign

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Greenville County, South Carolina implemented the new comprehensive “Spare the Air” Improving Air Quality Awareness Campaign in July 2006. The campaign used radio, cable TV, newspapers, websites, brochures, billboards, public presentations, booths at local festivals, and community wide events to inform public and private organizations, municipalities’ planning commissions, school board, city councils, and the public in general about air quality challenges and solutions in Upstate South Carolina. The county partnered with various entities to host events such as the Gas Can Exchange, the Car Care Clinic, the Lawnmower Exchange, and the Compost Bin Sale. At these events, residents were able to trade old gas cans for new no-spill plastic containers, trade gas-powered lawnmowers for battery-operated mowers, have their car inspected, and purchase compost bins while learning about composting kitchen and yard waste to avoid open burning. The campaign included the Breathe Better at School program now implemented at several schools. The B2 program seeks to educate students, parents, bus drives, and staff about the importance of no idling. The B2 program also educates the public about the importance of reducing the amount of lawn needing mowing and how creating gardens and planting beds helps to improve air quality.