September 2023

Solutions for September and Beyond!

MARC MY WORDS: Thoughts from Breathe SoCal's President & CEO

Hello again,

While seasonal changes in Southern California aren’t as pronounced as some other places and you can find people from all around the world at our beaches well into November, September still brings with it a feeling of welcomed transition. The dog days of summer mix with the anticipation of cooler, quieter days ahead. Football season begins, and by now the kids are back in school and (hopefully) adjusting to the new year ahead. 

Meanwhile, stores are already starting to promote Halloween treats and pumpkin spice flavored, well, everything… We get the hint, we really do! Fall is coming at us fast.  

But before we get ahead of ourselves, I hope we can all take a breath and reflect on how we can all lean into change and do our part.

Our headquarters is conveniently located directly across from the fascinating La Brea Tarpits, the LA County Museum of Art, which is undergoing a massive project to build a new gallery. We are also situated on Wilshire Boulevard, where we    get to witness Metro’s Purple D-line Subway come to life, edging toward its 2025 debut. I’m inspired by what’s possible in a city when both sustainability and community are the organizing principles. 

It's positive changes like this that will allow more walking, less driving, and ultimately cleaner air, for millions of people in the years to come. That's change I think we can all get behind. 

But change is often slow. For instance, the D-Line Extension, which had been under discussion since the 1980s, broke ground in 2014. So, the little things each of us do separately combine to form the large changes we need to accomplish…to make our planet, our environment, and our families healthier.   

This month, we're excited to share insights and tips that align with Breathe Southern California's mission of promoting clean air and healthy lungs. Let's delve into the world of sustainable transportation, its significant impact on our respiratory well-being and the environment as a whole.

Green Transportation: 

Paving the Way for Cleaner Air.

In our efforts to promote clean air, choosing sustainable transportation options plays a pivotal role. 

Reduced Emissions:

Vehicles are a major source of air pollution. Opting for bicycles, electric cars, or public transit significantly reduces harmful emissions that contribute to poor air quality.

Improved Lung Health:

Cleaner air means healthier lungs for all. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we create an environment where everyone can breathe easier and enjoy better respiratory well-being.

Community Benefits: 

Embracing green transportation fosters vibrant communities. Pedestrian-friendly streets, bike lanes, and efficient public transit systems contribute to cleaner air and enhanced quality of life.

Climate Action: 

Sustainable transportation aligns with broader climate goals. Making eco-friendly choices helps combat climate change while positively impacting our air quality.

As you can see there are ways we each can do our part to move the needle to become the change we want to see.

Your unwavering support encourages all of us at Breathe SoCal to push for change with even greater vigor. Let's continue to advocate and work together for cleaner air and healthier lungs, ensuring a vibrant fall and future for all of us.

In Health,