Why kids around the world did the ‘Mask Challenge’
Did you know that nine out of ten people breathe polluted air and that some of the worst air quality in the world is in the Asia-pacific region? World Environment Day was held yesterday (Wednesday 5 June), with China hosting global celebrations under the theme of ‘Air Pollution’.
China has some of the worst air quality in the world but they are working hard to fix the problem and are leading the way with ‘green energy’.
Did you know that China now owns half the world’s electric vehicles and 99% of the world’s electric buses?
What is green energy?
Green energy (or renewable energy) is produced naturally by the environment such as the sun, wind and rain and creates less air pollution than fossil fuel energy. Fossil fuel energy is generated by resources that are dug out of the ground. These resources include coal, crude oil and natural gas and take millions of years to replenish. Burning fossil fuels causes lots of air pollution.
In your city, you may notice people wearing a mask on their face. This is an anti-pollution mask to limit the amount of particulate matter they breathe in. Particulate matter is the term used to describe particles found in the air – this includes dust, dirt and smoke caused by pollution.
By wearing a mask you can avoid breathing in some of the particles that can make you sick but wouldn’t it be better if we didn’t have to wear masks at all?
That’s why over the past few weeks, kids have been taking part in the ‘Mask Challenge’ with the aim of raising awareness of the effects of air pollution, which can include health problems such as asthma.
People have been taking pictures of themselves wearing a mask and uploading them with the # Beat air pollution and #World environment day hash tags. Along with their mask pictures, many people advised what steps their families were taking at home to improve the air quality where they live.
What can you do to improve air pollution?
Cycle or walk to school. If taking a car, see if you can carpool with your friend’s family. The less cars on the road, the less pollution is caused. Ask your parents to consider switching to a hybrid or electric car.
Ask your parents to turn the car engine off when the car is stationary instead of “idling”. Have “Meat Free Mondays” at home or school – ruminant animals such as cows produce a lot of methane gas (yes that is cow burps and farts!), which pollutes the air. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
Plant more trees! Reforest Sri Lanka - regularly hold tree planting days where the whole family can get involved. Don’t burn garbage, especially plastic as it causes polluted smoke. For fruit and vegetable waste, start a family compost bin. Most of all, talk to your friends and family about how important it is to have clean air!