Spare the Air

SCDES Spare the Air is a statewide education and outreach campaign led by the Bureau of Air Quality that advances public health and environmental well-being by improving air quality across South Carolina. This campaign supports and promotes innovative projects, programs, and partnerships that aim to protect and enhance the air we breathe.

Spare the Air provides local, state, and national resources, tools, and guidance for air quality programs, and highlights the work of environmental and conservation groups, coalitions, schools, organizations, businesses, and individuals dedicated to improving air quality in South Carolina.

Campaign Goals:

Promote Sustainable Air Quality Initiatives: Support projects and programs that improve air quality and can be replicated across communities.
Educate and Raise Awareness: Share knowledge, resources, and campaigns that motivate individuals and organizations to make informed decisions to protect air quality.
Encourage Positive Behavioral Change: Inspire actions that reduce pollution and improve air quality for all South Carolinians.
Strengthen Partnerships: Build and maintain collaborations across government agencies, communities, businesses, and nonprofits to maximize air quality improvements statewide.

Through these efforts, BAQ Spare the Air works to ensure healthier environments, empower community leaders, and create a lasting impact on air quality for current and future generations.

Hand of mother and children holding young tree for planting in earth day

Breathe Better (B2) Program

BAQ anti-idling clean air program focused on protecting public health on school campuses and at local businesses in SC

Nature forest, trees growing upward to the sun

Air Quality Coalitions

Engage local and regional stakeholders across SC to support voluntary actions that reduce emissions and improve air quality

Slightly Cumulus clouds on the blue sky showing white soft texture pattern.

Air Quality Forecast

BAQ provides daily forecasts on pollutant concentrations to inform the public and minimize exposure to unhealthy air

Champions of the Environment

Grant awards for projects that protect the natural world and boost environmental awareness and conservation.

SCDES Action for a Cleaner Tomorrow - Take Action SC

Take Action SC Partnership

K-12 environmental education lessons, class presentations, and workshops on air, water, recycling, and waste reduction.

SC Radon Poster Contest

A colored pencil drawing of a house cut open to show rooms and a basement with radon gas rising from the ground. The text reads “Radon Kills,” “You won’t know it’s there until it’s too late,” “Radon poisoning is preventable,” and “Get your home tested now!”

The SCDES Radon Program organizes a statewide radon poster contest, sponsored by the Indoor Environments Association. This contest is open to children and students aged 9-14 who are enrolled in a school or a sponsoring club. Through the radon poster contest, participants can raise awareness about radon and its impact on public health.

The first-place winner will be entered in the National Radon Poster Contest, sponsored by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and the American Lung Association. SCDES will accept contest submissions until October 31. Visit the Radon Poster Contest page to learn more.

2025 First Place Winner
Wilhelm, South Carolina

Grants up to $2,500 are available for your school's environmental education project!

Hey, K-12 teachers! Your students could be named Champions of the Environment for helping protect the natural world and boost environmental awareness. Be a Champion and do your part for the environment! The 2026-2027 grant application period will open Aug. 1.

Two children are sitting in a garden, closely examining plants while surrounded by green foliage.

Spare the Air Resources

Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) advances environmental education and literacy across the state. EEASC connects educators, businesses, and individuals through resources, training, and programs such as the Palmetto Environmental Education Certification (PEEC) and Green Step Schools.

EPA SmartWay Program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. The program helps companies reduce fuel use, lower costs, and decrease emissions through sustainable transportation practices.

Spare the Air Awards

The Spare the Air Awards is the Bureau of Air Quality’s program that awards those who are working towards improving air quality in South Carolina. This award program recognizes environmental leaders, such as schools, organizations, businesses, and individuals that are working on projects and initiatives to protect air quality in South Carolina. Promoting a healthy environment through air quality initiatives that are sustainable and replicable,

Educating and promoting awareness that motivates others to make better decisions to protect and improve air quality,
Encouraging positive behavioral changes that protect and improve air quality, and
Strengthening and building partnerships for air quality that benefit the citizens of South Carolina.

The Spare the Air Awards provide a great opportunity for you to be recognized by the state of South Carolina for your work! You can either be nominated or self-nominated by completing and submitting the nomination form.

Outstanding Business/Industry

This award recognizes a business that has implemented on-site air quality improvement strategies beyond SCDES regulatory requirements. This could include voluntary emission reductions to an industrial process and/or implementing strategies for employees.

Outstanding Employee(s)
This award recognizes an employee(s) who has successfully organized and/or implemented program(s) on the job to improve air quality through peer education, awareness campaign promotion, training, etc.

Outstanding Local Government
This award recognizes an outstanding local government (county or municipality) that has helped improve air quality in their area through local regulatory actions, policy changes, and/or voluntary programs including education and outreach efforts.

Outstanding School or District
This award recognizes a school or district for its efforts to implement or expand an air quality improvement program or campaign through the leadership of faculty, staff, parent(s), or student(s).

Outstanding College or University
This award recognizes a college or university for their efforts to improve air quality on campus and in the surrounding community through voluntary programs including education and outreach efforts.

Outstanding Community Improvement Campaign
This award recognizes efforts of a person, group, or organization (civic, environmental, faith-based, nonprofit organizations, communities/neighborhood associations, etc.) that have directly or indirectly addressed a local air quality issue or concern.

Since 2008, SCDES has honored some of the top businesses, community groups, and individuals for implementing successful air quality initiatives in local communities throughout South Carolina. Check out past winners of the Spare the Air Awards.