Citizen Action
One of the greatest contributors to local air pollution is vehicle emissions. Although advances in technology have produced more efficient vehicles, there are more of them on the road and most are only occupied by the driver. People are also travelling longer distances.
Every year, communities are encouraged to engage in a friendly competition, known as the Commuter Challenge, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through active (walking, cycling, etc.) or sustainable (carpool, take transit, etc.) transportation choices. The Commuter Challenge is an annual weeklong grassroots initiative that takes place during Environment Week, which always coincides with World Environment Day (June 5). There is also a strong focus on Clean Air Day (the Wednesday). Burlington Transit was free on Clean Air Day between 2005 - 2007. To find out more about the national challenge, please see http://www.commuterchallenge.ca/.
Reducing single occupant vehicle use is only one way to reduce your impact on air quality. Listed below are a few more suggestions. Additional tips are listed in the Clean Air Plan.
Electricity-Saving Tips
Did you know that generating electricity contributes to smog?
- Install and program a programmable thermostat to save you energy while you sleep and while you are away.
- Set the air conditioner to 25oC in summer.
- Install ceiling fans. Change the direction of the fan so that it pushes warm air down in the winter and pulls warm air up in the summer.
- Turn off your computer and monitor at the end of the day.
- Turn off lights when leaving a room.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights to reduce energy use by 75%.
- Wash and rinse clothes in cold water. Dry your clothes outside to take advantage of free, clean energy from the sun, when possible.
- Visit www.halton.ca/airquality to view two short videos and learn how saving energy is good for air quality, your health, and the climate.
Travel Tips
- Where possible, leave your car at home - walk, cycle, carpool, or take public transit.
- Teleconference instead of driving to a meeting.
- Limit car trips by doing errands all at once.
- Turn your engine off while you wait. Idling vehicle engines for 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting.
- Keep your vehicle well maintained, check tire pressure, and drive at moderate speeds.
- Do not drive on empty. Low fuel levels are hard on your car and increase tailpipe emissions.
Other Tips for Smog Days
- Delay outdoor activities on smog days, as smog may cause breathing difficulties and eye, nose and throat irritations.
- Avoid using gas-powered equipment until the smog advisory has passed.
- Postpone mowing to another day in summer.
- Enjoy light meals that require little or no cooking.
- Stay at work for lunch or walk to a nearby restaurant.
- Avoid the use of oil-based products such as paints, solvents, or cleaners. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog.
- Postpone refuelling your vehicle to later in the day when air pollution levels are lower.