Actions communities can scale

Real‑world projects that reduce pollution and protect health—adaptable to apartments, schools, and neighborhoods.

Community volunteers with monitors and masks.

Program highlights

🔥

Clean cooking transition

Move from solid fuels to cleaner options and better ventilation. Health improves quickly and smoke indoors drops dramatically.

WHO guidance →
🗑️

Anti‑burning waste management

Organics collection, dry storage, and composting prevent open burning and reduce smoke complaints.

See steps →

Household actions

💨

Indoor air improvement

  • Seal gaps around windows and doors
  • Use certified air purifiers with HEPA filters
  • Ventilate during low outdoor pollution periods
  • Avoid indoor burning and smoking
Read air quality guide → EPA indoor air guide →
💧

Water safety practices

  • Clean storage containers regularly
  • Test water quality periodically
  • Use appropriate filtration systems
  • Maintain plumbing to prevent contamination
View water checklist → CDC water safety →
♻️

Waste reduction steps

  • Separate organic waste for composting
  • Store recyclables in dry, covered containers
  • Avoid open burning of any materials
  • Coordinate with neighbors for collection
Learn waste sorting → EPA waste reduction →

Launch in five steps

1

Assess needs

Identify top exposures (smoke, waste, water).

2

Form a team

Roles for outreach, data, and logistics.

3

Pilot quickly

Start with one building or street.

4

Share results

Visual before/after, simple metrics.

5

Scale responsibly

Document costs, pitfalls, and tips.

Success stories

Community garden with composting area.

Apartment complex composting

Reduced waste burning by 80% through organized composting and dry waste collection in a 200-unit complex.

80% reduction 200 units 6 months
School children with air quality monitors.

School air monitoring

Students track daily air quality and adjust outdoor activities, reducing exposure during high pollution days.

Daily monitoring 500 students Ongoing

Have a proven approach to share? We highlight well‑documented community projects with measurable outcomes.