Fueling Change

The greenhouse gas that contributes most to climate change is carbon dioxide. This is because many of our human activities produce carbon dioxide (CO2) in huge quantities. For example, every liter of gasoline we use to operate a motor emits carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

1. Walk, cycle, in-line skate, carpool or take public transit as an alternative to using private motor vehicles.
   Driving 10% less by walking, cycling, carpooling or taking public transit, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to half a tonne per year, depending on the vehicle. Have fun with your friends, and you will be getting exercise and fresh air. No more sitting in traffic.
   
2. Avoid using gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers and pressure washers.
   Push mowers, rakes, and brooms save electrical or fossil fuel energy and using your own energy is good for your health.
   
3. Avoid using the air conditioner in your car, opening the window can be very effective a lot of the time.
   An air conditioner can account for as much as 1/5 of your car's fuel consumption during stop and go traffic.
   
4. Plan trips in advance so that errands can be combined.
   Transportation is responsible for 50% of individual Canadians' GHG emissions, and vehicle exhaust can account for up to 2/3 of smog producing pollutants.
   
5. Ask friends and family who pick you up for a ride to turn off the vehicle's engine when they are waiting for you.
   Reduce idling - if every Canadian motorist avoided idling their vehicles for just five minutes a day, all year, more than 930 million tonnes of carbon dioxide would be prevented from entering the air.

Element 4 gives you more to explore!

Small actions add up to make a TONNE of difference!