Live cleaner and healthier in 2026

With the New Year here, why not make it a resolution to live cleaner and healthier? 

Being more active or taking up a new sport is great, but what if you committed to making other changes that will benefit your family’s wellbeing and the wider community and environment? 

There are small changes in our daily habits that can make a big difference to the air we breathe and our general wellbeing. Here are practical ways to help reduce pollution and protect your health: 

Move more: choose active travel and rewards over driving 

Walking, cycling or using public transport isn’t just good for the planet, it’s great for your health and wellbeing. 

• Replacing car journeys with walking and cycling is a good way to improve your health and support your wellbeing, as well as an important aspect of carbon reduction. Find an active route near where you live.  
   
• In Elmbridge, we are lucky to have many scenic walking and cycling routes along the river, as well as around our heaths and green spaces. Explore them with our Wellbeing Walks and Cycle Rides programme. 
   
• Get incentives and rewards for taking the right steps to improve your health and the environment: use Surrey County Council’s BetterPoints app and other available apps to support you on your greener and healthier journey. 

Plan cleaner journeys 

Make sure you protect your health when walking, running or cycling. Did you know you can avoid high-pollution areas? 

• Try out the Clean Air Routes London app or online tool to plan low-pollution journeys. Now available across Greater London and parts of Surrey, it helps you breathe easier by indicating the best travel routes to avoid areas with high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5). 

If you drive, switch off when stationary 

Idling engines release harmful pollutants, especially near schools and busy streets. Help improve local air quality by turning off your engine when waiting. 

Rethink wood-burning 

Although cosy in winter, wood-burning stoves can release dangerous pollutants (particulate matter PM2.5). If possible, choose cleaner alternatives like electric heating or certified low-emission fuels. These are safer choices that protect your family and your neighbours. 

Stay alert to air quality 

If you have health concerns, get extra protection on high-pollution days by adjusting your activities when pollution levels are high. 

• Sign up for airTEXT to receive real-time air quality alerts straight to your phone. airTEXT is a free service designed to alert users when air pollution levels are elevated so they can take simple precautionary measures to reduce the likelihood of any impacts. 

Every action counts 

By making these simple changes, you’ll help create a cleaner, healthier Elmbridge for everyone. 
 
Check on we are working towards a greener and more sustainable future in Elmbridge. 

Get more information on what’s available locally to help you keep active and heatlhy.