Air Quality
B2 Breathe Better - An anti-idling/clean air campaign
| What Is B2? | How to B2 | B2 Schools in Action |
Air Pollution & Health in Schools |
Programs & Resources |
How to B2
These guidelines for B2 may be modified to meet any school’s unique circumstances.
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Planning
- Arrange a meeting with a B2 representative to set goals and a timeline for the program.
- Choose a faculty or staff member to coordinate the project.
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Student Involvement – the "Clean Air Patrol"
- Recruit students to be the Clean Air Patrol. Recommend 3rd grade and older.
- Educate these students on air quality and Patrol activities, which may include:
- Distribute surveys, flyers, and rewards (when available) to inform and encourage parents
- Create posters and newsletter articles to raise awareness
- Data collection (see step 3)
- Meet with bus drivers to encourage their participation
- Presentations to fellow students, faculty and/or parent groups
- Students will receive special reward items for their participation
- B2 Schools in Action
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Data Collection
- Don't be scared! Data collection for B2 is simple, but essential for tracking progress.
- Data collection should begin before the project starts, to determine a baseline for measuring success, and be repeated at least twice in the first year of participation.
- Sample Data Sheet (pdf)
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Adopt a Policy
- Another simple but essential step, an official policy will help ensure that B2 and the practice of "no idling" will continue beyond the first year.
- Place the "no idling" policy in the student/parent handbook and the school website.
- School Policy Samples (pdf)
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Getting the Word Out
- Inform families about B2 by email, flyers, posters, newsletter, surveys, and/or phone.
- Build excitement and teach all students about B2. Have special "kickoff day" promotions or events. Lesson plans available, as well as "Spare the Air" bookmarks for all students.
- Meet with the bus drivers. Work with the transportation director if necessary. Bus drivers will receive a promotional item as encouragement and to promote B2 daily.
- Post "no idling" signs (up to 5 will be provided) on campus as a reminder to drivers.
- Survey Template (pdf)
- School Newsletter Sample (pdf)
- "No Idling" Sign (pdf)
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Keep it Going
- Make a plan for continuing B2 into the second year. Reinforce the message and track progress. Recruit a new Clean Air Patrol if necessary.
- Consider other projects to improve air quality. Some examples from other schools are:
- Planting trees/landscaping to reduce mowing area
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Start a walk/bike to school program
- Encourage carpooling to reduce vehicle traffic
- Energy conservation
- School Projects and Resources
For assistance please contact...
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Heather Stiltner Statewide (located in Columbia and Aiken) S.C. DHEC (803) 898-2233 |
Randy Cook Coastal Counties only (located in Charleston) S.C. DHEC (843) 953-0150 |
Angie Perry Statewide (located in Rock Hill) Greenleaf Education (803) 367-1436 |

