This summer, girls in greater Indianapolis identify air pollution, discuss the causes and effects, and pledge to improve air quality with their actions through the Girls Inc. Operation SMART^® program. With curriculum from Knozone, a City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability program in partnership with Hirons & Company, Operation SMART engages girls in science and technology in ways that affect their lives.

In the one-hour program, girls first define and describe air pollution, and then compare images of clean and dirty air. “I would just fall on the ground,” said Gianni when reviewing smog-filled photos. “I wouldn’t be outside,” added Ruby. Other girls identified how nice it would be to live in the scenes with clean air. With the distinct images in their minds, girls then determine the various causes and effects of air pollution from vehicle exhaust and hairspray to itchy eyes and lung cancer.

With new knowledge about air quality and a desire for community accountability, each girl commits to one action or activity to help improve air quality. So far this summer, girls have pledged to turn off lights when leaving a room, biking instead of driving, washing laundry in cold water, and playing outside instead of watching television.

We are grateful for Hirons & Company's continued partnership and the City of Indianapolis for providing resources and materials for this program. Check out the Knozone website for ways to take action to reduce air pollution in our city!