Breathe Better Air at School

The Breathe Better Air at School Program emphasizes the positive impact of a "no idling" school policy on children's health, especially children with respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Actions taken by participating schools include the development of an "air quality patrol" composed of students who encourage parents and bus drivers to turn off their engines while on campus, gather program-related data, plan activities, and conduct air quality experiments.

The program also facilitated the development of a native tree garden at a local elementary school. The native tree garden eliminates the need for mowing and associated emissions, and will serve as an outdoor educational classroom.

The Breathe Better Air at School Program aims to educate parents, staff, bus drivers, and faculty about the importance of not idling vehicles on campus.

One member school noted a decrease in asthma-related visits to the school nurse following the projects inception. Less idling has been reported in the vicinity of participating schools.The Breathe Better Air at School program is being expanded to other schools in South Carolina for the 2008-2009 school year.