Today is Clean Air Day, and all kinds of Canadian kids will be forgoing their usual ride to school, and choosing to walk or bike instead. The initiative is part of the larger Canadian Environment Week, which is meant to bring awareness to all of the ways we can minimize pollution and make a real difference in the health of our environment. We all know that the daily drive leads to carbon emissions and traffic congestion, but it has become a part of our everyday lives. This week, in celebration of our natural environment, try to have a healthier commute for just one day. Walk, bike, take the bus or carpool—and get your kids involved too—and you might be surprised to find that you feel inspired to make it a more regular habit. A clean commute can mean less time spent waiting in traffic, more opportunities to enjoy nature and more social interactions with your neighbours. Plus, if you walk or cycle to work, you'll be improving your own health, not just that of the Earth. As Canadians, we tend to take the air we breathe for granted. After all, we are lucky to live in this big, beautiful country, where we are surrounded by all kinds of untouched landscapes. It's easy to forget the damage we can't see. But unless we take steps to preserve our environment today, we won't have the same natural settings and fresh air to enjoy tomorrow. Get more tips on living a greener lifestyle. (Photography: Thinkstock)