Skip to content
Air Quality

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



How to B2

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
      • Students will receive special reward items for their participation
    • B2 Schools in Action


  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.
    • Sample Data Sheet (pdf)


  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. 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)


  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. 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...

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
For more information please contact us at (803) 898-4123 or by email.