Emissions Info - Clean Air Tips
There are simple steps we can take to help reduce the smog forming and greenhouse gas emissions we produce in our normal daily routines.
On The Road
- Reduce the amount you drive. Combine trips to save time and reduce emissions.
- Walk, bike, carpool, and use public transit more often.
- Maintain your vehicle properly. Following the maintenance schedule shown in your owner's manual can reduce emissions, lower fuel costs, and minimize the potential for vehicle breakdown.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Properly inflated tires will help you save money, fuel, and reduce emissions.
- DO NOT ignore your vehicle's check engine light. If you have a 1998 or newer light-duty vehicle, and the check engine light (also called Malfunction Indicator Lamp or MIL) is illuminated, it means that your vehicle has an emissions defect. Have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
- Don’t idle your vehicle. Unnecessary idling wastes fuel and money.
- Buying a vehicle? Check its AirCare inspection history or have it tested at an AirCare inspection centre to be certain it has no emission problems.
- Consider fuel efficiency when buying a vehicle.
- If you have more than one family vehicle, make a habit of using the more fuel efficient one as much as possible.
At Home
- Buy energy efficient appliances.
- Shut off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Use energy efficient light bulbs.
- Lower your thermostat.
- Insulate and weatherproof your home.
- Hang laundry.
- Plant trees.
- Buy locally grown produce.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
At Work
- Think twice about printing – do you really need to print or can you read and save on-screen?
- Use both sides of the paper when printing or photocopying.
- If you cannot reuse paper, use the recycled kind.
- Buy energy-saving office appliances and equipment, such as EnergyStar-approved computers, LCD monitors, printers and photocopiers.
- Set up a recycling program for used paper, aluminum and other materials.
- Turn lights on only when needed.
- Remind colleagues to switch off monitors when they’re away from the desk and to switch off all unneeded appliances at the end of the work day.
- If possible, try telecommuting.
- Carpooling, cycling, taking public transit or walking to work where possible.
- Buy fuel-efficient vehicles if your business requires a fleet of vehicles.
- Lower your thermostat.
For more information, please visit the following sites:
Environment Canada [external link]
David Suzuki Foundation [external link]
United States EPA [external link]
Greenhouse Gas Online [external link]
Climate Action Secretariat [external link]
