A social enterprise is teaching residents of Beijing how to make DIY air purifiers. Many are now interested in participating in their workshops because of the high prices of air purifiers.
In the early part of the year, northern China was enveloped by thick smog and triggered red alerts in Beijing. It is a recourse to buy air purifiers for the home but a unit would cost as much as $1,500.
Noah Willingham, South China Head of Smart Air Filters, heads a one-hour workshop and instructs how to use the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. He explained how their company's founder, Thomas Talhelm, made the filter.
He showed the participants how to use the filter and a standard electric fan. He also used a PM counter to show the particle count before and after the use of the filter.
The instructor showed that the PM count was down by half with the use of the filter. He clarified that all windows should be closed when the filter is being used.
The workshops are held in various locations and the company wants to promote a sense of community as they adapt to the changing air quality in China.
"We are not profit-driven. We just care a lot, and we want as many people as possible to be able to have clean air," Willingham added.
Many participants are drawn to the workshops because many people are looking for affordable ways to purify the air in their homes and businesses.
Lily Zhang, 26, said she frequently worries about Shanghai's ever-worsening air quality and is looking for an affordable home filter.
Chakra Yardlagadda, an Indian restaurant owner, said, "As a restaurant owner, I want to create the best dining experience for my customers. I have never seen any restaurants with an air purifier."