The City of Fort Worth is rolling out the green carpet for Air Quality Awareness Week, starting today. This environmental shindig, which is set to run until May 10, is all about educating residents on the oh-so-important topic of air quality and inspiring some good old-fashioned action to help people breathe easier.

A partner in this initiative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is spearheading the effort with a series of daily themes. They kicked off the week putting the spotlight on "Wildland Fires and Smoke," which, given the increase in wildfires, is a timely discussion to have. Much needed, especially since anyone can tell you, that breathing in the fresh air shouldn't be akin to hitting a smoky bar.

Tomorrow's talks will turn to “Asthma and Your Health,” a crucial topic considering the scores of folks who feel the tight clutch of asthma's hands around their lungs. With each day, the EPA aims to hit topics from "Air Quality and Climate" to "Air Quality and Environmental Justice," capping off the week with a dive into how our furry and leafy friends get affected by our shared air.

According to the City of Fort Worth, understanding the Air Quality Index is just the tip of the iceberg. It's all about folks using that noggin to integrate air quality knowledge into the day-to-day. And before you think it's all talk, no walk, they're tossing out tips for how to make a real difference. Carpool, use public transit, or hop on a bike – it’s those little changes that can add up.