South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

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B² Breathe Better - An anti-idling/clean air campaign

How to B²

• What Is B²?
• How to B²
• B² Schools
  in Action
• Air Pollution &
  Health in Schools
• Programs &
  Resources

These guidelines for B² may be modified to meet any school's unique circumstances.

1. 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.
   
   
   

2. 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
   
   
   

3. 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. Electronic data entry is available.
     • Reporting Schedule: Baseline due September 30th, Winter data due by January 31st, Spring data due by April 30th
     • All first year participants or "in-active" schools (reporting one or less measurable data point during the previous school year) are required to submit a baseline data report to the Department prior to the release of any B² materials (anti-idling signs, brochures, bookmarks, etc.).
   
   
   

4. 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)
   
   
   

5. 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.
   • Post "no idling" signs (up to 3 will be provided) on campus as a reminder to drivers.
   • Survey Template (pdf)
   • School Newsletter Sample (pdf)
   • "No Idling" Sign (pdf)
   
   
   

6. 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. Visit www.greenstepschools.com for ideas.Some examples from other schools are:

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For more information on B², please contact Debra Briggs-Monroe or by phone at (803) 898-3752.