Citizen Action

Participate in 20/20 The Way to Clean Air, a campaign led by the public health units across the Greater Toronto Area, including the Region of Halton, to reduce home energy use and vehicle use by 20%. A 20/20 planner has been developed as a guide to help you.

Reduce vehicle use:

• Carpool – share a ride to work, school or to events. Encourage your workplace to join a Smart Commute network such as Smart Commute Halton.
• Use public transit – take the bus such as Burlington Transit or the GO Train
• Walk or cycle – use your legs for great exercise. Find out more about local programs or events through Active and Safe Routes to School and the Burlington Cycling Committee.
• Telework – work from home even once a month and make a difference. Ask your workplace to establish a policy.
• Trip chaining – combine errands into one journey rather than making several separate car trips.
• Follow David Suzuki’s lead and establish a “reduction-rule” with your family. David Suzuki’s family members do not use their car for any trips under seven blocks.

Reduce emissions:

• Keep your engine properly tuned and your tires properly inflated.
• Take your time speeding up and slowing down and drive the posted speed limit.
• Choose an energy efficient vehicle. Refer to Natural Resources Canada’s publications such as, fuel consumption guides, fuel consumption calculators and their annual most fuel efficient vehicles in each vehicle category.
• Eliminate unnecessary idling. The City launched an idling campaign in 2003 and approved a bylaw in 2004. For more information, please see the city’s idling webpage or Natural Resources Canada’s idling website.
• Reduce the use of your air conditioner to improve fuel efficiency in the summer.
• Reduce your vehicle’s weight and remove unnecessary heavy items from your trunk.
• Remove items such as ski racks when not in use to reduce your vehicle’s aerodynamic drag.

Save money:

• There are many programs that reward you for choosing to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. A list of incentives or rebates have been compiled for you.

Have fun:

• Participate in events such as the Commuter Challenge or the Clean Air Commute.

Did you know …

• 19% of commuters who walk or cycle to work consider it to be their most pleasant daily activity, compared to only 2% of commuters who drive.
• A 2km walk or 5km bike ride takes less than 30 minutes.
• 17% of daily auto trips are walkable, 40% are cyclable.
• Shifting our schedules to accommodate more of these short daily trips can have a huge impact on the amount of exercise we get and lessen the stress, congestion levels, greenhouse gas emissions, and financial costs associated with our driving habit. Walking and cycling are more predictable because they are largely immune to traffic congestion stresses. Replacing 1% of short auto trips reduces 2-4% of air polluting emissions.
• Neighbourhood school travel is an ideal situation to promote the benefits of walking and cycling. In 1986, 27% of Halton and Peel Region students aged 11 – 15 were driven to school. In 2001, the percentage increased to 42% while childhood obesity increased 50%. While 45% of Canadian children live 2km or less from the school they attend, 47% never walk. Although 91% of students have access to a bicycle, 64% never cycle to school. Contact info@saferoutestoschool.ca about programs that helps parents, students and school staff identify, address and solve the concerns and barriers that hinder active school commuting.