Call to support Clean Air Day in West Suffolk and walk or cycle a ‘mile for my mind’

West Suffolk residents are invited to support today’s National Clean Air Day and try covering distances of less than a mile by foot or cycle, instead of driving.

West Suffolk Council is inviting residents to take part in a ‘Mile for my mind’ walk, wheel and cycle at noon and share photos on social media using #cleanairdaysuffolk and #amileformymind.

Ideas for a one-mile circular routes away from busy roads can be found on the Go Jauntly App, with route ideas and maps also available on the Discover Suffolk and the Way to Go Suffolk websites.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, West Suffolk Council leader, said: “Mile for my mind is aimed at showing how easy, cheap and enjoyable it is to make a short journey on foot or cycle. It improves air quality for all, fitness, mental health and wellbeing.

“I am inviting everyone who lives, works or is visiting West Suffolk to take part at noon, enjoy our lovely part of the world and be surprised by how viable an alternative it is to travelling by car.”

The Clean Air Day mental health theme is based on research highlighting an association between air pollution and conditions including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and mood disorders. It also leads to a more rapid decline in cognitive function, including an increased risk of developing dementia.

One of the main health culprits of polluted air is particulate matter (PM) – tiny pieces of solid or liquid substances inhaled by people as they breathe.

These small pollution particles can enter through lungs, into the bloodstream and reach the brain.

When this happens, it can cause inflammation and change the chemistry of the brain, having a negative impact on mental health. (Source: Global Action Plan)

Cllr Gerald Kelly, West Suffolk Council cabinet member for governance and regulatory, said: “West Suffolk Council monitors air quality and we are supporting this campaign to help West Suffolk people believe they can make a change.

“A car journey of less than a mile takes 20 minutes on foot. If distances of less than a mile were walked or wheeled across Suffolk, rather than driven, there would be 15 million fewer car journeys a year.

“If everyone made just one such journey a week, they would save 26kg of CO2 a year. It’s got to be worth a try.”