(ATLANTA, GA — 10.07.11)

The Clean Air Campaign challenges K-12 schools across the state to raise awareness of clean commute options and to explore ways to reduce the number of idling cars in the school zone during Clean Commute Week Oct. 24-28.

Clean Commute Week encourages Georgia schools to share the benefits of commute alternatives with their school community for five days, emphasizing four clean commute modes of transportation: riding the bus, biking, walking and carpooling.  Clean Air Schools participants can also align program activities with this week, launching their education campaign or announcing their Clean Air School program.

“We are excited to introduce Clean Commute Week and expect it to be a fun, engaging activity for schools statewide to learn about clean commuting and the impact it can have on air quality,” said Gretchen Gigley, director of education at The Clean Air Campaign. “Poor air quality represents a continuing health hazard to children, especially those with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma.  An event like Clean Commute Week is a great way to educate students on how to improve the air we breathe.”

Schools can challenge students to use the highlighted mode of transportation each day and to log the number of clean trips they use for the week. This will help to document the number of vehicle miles reduced from the road and the amount of pollution they are eliminating from the air we breathe. Clean Commute Week toolkits are available online with resources and fun ideas for schools to use throughout the week.  BAIR, the Clean Air Bear, will also make surprise visits to a few of the participating schools.

 “We look forward to seeing how Georgia schools creatively empower students to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Gigley. “One example that we suggest is for schools to identify a visible area where they can create a Clean Commute Hall of Fame to highlight and measure students’ involvement. We feel that this a not only a fantastic way for schools to learn about clean commute options, but to also kick off their Clean Air Schools program, which helps to  increase the use of commute alternatives throughout the school year.”

Georgia schools or parents interested in receiving Clean Commute Week resources or joining the Clean Air Schools program can visit CleanAirCampaign.org/Schools. For exclusive information about The Clean Air Campaign, follow @CleanAirGa on Twitter and find The Clean Air Campaign on Facebook at Facebook.com/CleanAirCampaign.