The advice from the council’s environmental protection team comes as they gear up to take part in Clean Air Day on Thursday (June 20), a national initiative aimed at showing people what can be done to help tackle air pollution. 

Key messages and advice will be shared on the council’s social media channels throughout the day and officers will be hosting a special advice session in Workington town centre.

The town centre event, which runs between 10am and 2pm at The Hub, will allow people to get on-the-spot environmental advice, take away leaflets and make their own pledges about what they can do in their own lives. 

An exercise bike will also be there allowing people to pedal for a period of time and be able to see how much their carbon footprint would be reduced if they cycled rather than used a car.

Clean Air Day messages focus on a number of areas, but Allerdale’s officers have narrowed down the advice for local residents to the following: 

- Give your car a day off, try to walk to work, walk to school. If you drive, turn off your engine when your vehicle is stationary and it is safe to do so. 

- To improve in-home air quality, ventilate your property, open windows and use extractor fans when cooking or using cleaning products, but close windows near busy roads during rush hours. 

- Think about the products you use around the house. Use fragrance-free milder cleaning products. Choose paints and varnishes that are labelled 'low volatile organic compounds'. 

- Only burn dry, well-seasoned wood or smokeless fuel on your stove, open fire or BBQ. A stove is better than an open fire. 

-Consider going electric. The availability of electric charging points is increasing. Nationally, there has been a 2,600% increase in the registration of electric cars since 2015... why not join them? 

The environmental protection team highlight that Cumbria has the lowest levels of air pollution (fine particulate matter) in the north west of England, but residents can still play their part in maintaining those encouraging levels. 

Councillor Stephen Stoddart, executive member for housing, health and wellbeing, said: “Our environment is hugely important and Allerdale Borough Council wants to play a significant role in maintaining and improving air quality. 

“Clean Air Day is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the key messages and pick up some great advice on what you can do to play your part."

The council monitors air pollution and respond to air pollution incidents. One of the authority’s jobs is to continue to promote and maintain our good air quality. 

*To take part in Clean Air Day on social media, use the hashtag #CleanAirDay.