Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF) is proud to announce the launch of a new school-based educational initiative, “Why Clean Air Matters,” designed to help elementary students understand the importance of clean air, the impact of air pollution, and the role of Georgia’s emissions testing program.

The campaign provides Atlanta-area educators with engaging, age-appropriate tools and activities to spark meaningful conversations about environmental health and sustainability. Students will explore how clean air affects their daily lives — from playing outside and breathing freely to seeing clear, blue skies — while learning how their families and communities can help protect it.

“While our program primarily targets adult drivers in metro Atlanta, it's just as important to educate our children on how air pollution affects them and those around them,” said Michael Odom, Manager of the Mobile and Area Sources Program at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. “The ‘Why Clean Air Matters’ campaign offers a fun and accessible way to introduce these critical topics to students across Georgia.”

Campaign highlights (available at whycleanairmatters.com) include:

- A short YouTube video introducing the concept of air pollution, its local effects, how emissions testing helps reduce pollution, and how students and families can contribute to cleaner air.
- A printable teacher handout featuring interactive, discussion-based activities designed to spark student participation in the classroom.
- An elementary school drawing contest, encouraging students to creatively illustrate what clean air means to them (the deadline to submit drawing entries is October 24, 2025).

The grand prize includes:

- A school visit and ice cream party hosted by Georgia’s Clean Air Force
- A certificate and $100 gift card to the store of the winner’s choice
- Recognition across GCAF social media and inclusion in the 2026 GCAF advertising campaign

“We hope that our local teachers and educational institutions will take advantage of this campaign and its offerings,” added Michael Odom. “And we wish the best of luck to all the students who submit a drawing to the contest!”

For more information on Georgia’s Clean Air Force, visit https://cleanairforce.com/. To view other helpful educational campaigns, visit https://cleanairforce.com/common/press.