TIPS for reducing smog while saving gasoline & money for Commuters

WHAT CAN I DO AS A COMMUTER?

Over 17 million vehicles are registered in Canada, each producing approximately 5 tonnes of harmful pollutants annually. For every 60 liters of gasoline you put in your tank at the gas station, 141 kilograms of carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere. From transportation alone, that’s 85 tonnes of air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere each year. In Canada, motor vehicles account for over 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions. With the number of cars within the Greater Toronto Area growing annually, major expressways are increasingly congested and filled with thousands of idling cars.

As a commuter, you can make a significant contribution to reducing smog emissions throughout the Municipality of Clarington while commuting from place to place. Below are 10 easy things you can do to reduce smog emissions when commuting while reducing your fuel consumption and costs.

1. Avoid idling. If you are going to be stopped for 10 seconds or more, except in traffic, turn your car engine off. Visit the Idle Free Zone for more information.

2. Drive at the posted speed limit. Increasing your highway cruising speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h increases fuel consumption by about 20%.

3. On hot days, fill your gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and do not “top up” the tank. Replace the gas tank tap tightly.

4. Try driving less, especially during peak traffic periods or on hot sunny days, by combining errands into one journey rather than making separate trips.

5. Make use of carpool programs and ride sharing boards.

6. Look into working from home whenever possible. Teleworking even once a month saves you money and stress of a commute.

7. Find a local transit route map and schedule for opportunities to use public transit. Check Durham Transit for routes near you.

8. Get some fresh air. Walking is not only good exercise, it’s also a good transportation option. It’s free. It’s relaxing and best of all you don’t need to worry about finding parking space.

9. Cycling is also a fast, fun, and cheap way to move. A little rusty? Consider taking a CAN-BIKE cycling course to boost you skills, safety and cycling pleasure.

10. Consider fuel efficiency when purchasing a vehicle and try to buy the smallest possible car to fit your needs. Also, be sure to properly maintain your vehicle which will reduce your gasoline costs and reduce smog emissions. The Ontario Drive Clean website contains useful information on vehicle maintenance and emissions.

NOTE: Links to sites external to the Municipality of Clarington are provided as a convenience and their inclusion does not imply that the Municipality of Clarington endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content or use of these sites.