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Spotted: Energy supplier E.On Energy has partnered with fashion label Scamp & Dude to offer a super-powered cape that allows children to help eliminate air pollution as they walk to school. The ‘Air Hero’ cape is part of a campaign encouraging parents to walk their children to and from school. 

The capes come with an insert called the Breath®. This is made from a proprietary fabric that absorbs and disaggregates harmful particles in the air. As the air passes through the mesh fabric, pollution molecules are trapped and broken up, leaving the air cleaner. The capes are also vibrant and eye-catching to appeal to young people. Each one has the ability to remove pollution equivalent to four diesel cars over the course of a year.

E.On point out that children who walk to school are fitter than those who are driven. Moreover, in the UK alone, the daily school run is responsible for releasing half a million tonnes of CO2 into the air each year. The limited-edition capes can be purchased through Scamp & Dude, but E.On is also offering free capes though a prize draw competition. 

Research conducted as part of the walk-to-school campaign revealed that the vast majority (94 percent) of children are keen to help reduce air pollution. However, they often lack the means to take action. E.On explains that it is hoping the appeal of the capes will be empowering for kids, saying, “Even though it’s the parents that need to change their behaviour, we felt that the best way to get this message over to them, was through their kids. It’s classic ‘pester power’ but in this instance, it’s for good”. 

Making cities more walkable and bikeable is an important part of reducing carbon emissions and all types of air pollution. At Springwise, we have spotted many innovations that are working towards this goal, including an air purifying playground and an AI-powered platform that delivers real time air-quality data. 

Written By: Lisa Magloff