CONTENT:

Clarington's Response

What is SMOG?

Health Effects of smog

Smog Watch vs Smog Advisory

Protect yourself & your child.

Tips for Homeowners

Tips for Commuters

Want more information?

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GTA Clean Air Council

TIPS for Reducing Smog while saving Energy and money for Homeowners

As a homeowner you can make a significant contribution to reducing smog emissions within the Municipality of Clarington. All this while reducing energy consumption and saving money! Below are several easy steps which you can take for cleaner air.

WHAT CAN I DO AS A HOMEOWNER?

For a homeowner, the easiest way to combat smog emissions is to take steps to reduce energy consumption. In Canada, in 2002, the residential sector accounted for 17% of secondary energy use and for 15.8% of related greenhouse gas emissions. Between 1990 and 2000, greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector increased by 7.3%. Visit the Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency or the 20/20 The Way to Clean Air program for more information. Below are 12 simple steps which you can take at home to reduce your energy consumption, save money and reduce smog emissions.

  1. Use the cold-water wash and rinse option on your washing machine. When possible, try using a clothesline to dry your clothes and take advantage of free, clean energy generated from either wind or sun.
  2. Try turning off the oven before your food is completely ready and let the heat already in the oven finish the rest of the cooking.
  3. Let your dishes air dry. Use the “no heat dry” feature on your dishwasher or simply open the door when the rinse cycle is complete to air dry your dishes.
  4. Turn off all home office equipment when not in use. Activate the energy saving features on your computer so that it will go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity.
  5. Many household electronics continue to use power even when they are turned off. Unplug your cellphone recharger and other home electronics when not in use.
  6. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Changing the most frequently used lights in your house to compact fluorescent will save approximately 75% of the energy used by standard incandescent bulbs.
  7. Turn down your thermostat while you are out and when you are asleep or use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature for you.
  8. Lower the temperature of your water heater and make sure it is well insulated. Install low flow showerheads and toilets.
  9. 9. When replacing your old energy-guzzling refrigerator insist on a new energy-efficient model. Make sure you send your old refrigerator for recycling and not to the basement or garage to use as a beer fridge.
  10. A conventional gasoline lawnmower pollutes as much as 40 new cars! Trade in your gas-powered lawnmower for an electric or push power mower. New designs are making the much quieter and cheaper mechanical push movers lighter and easier to use than ever. Check the Ontario Public Health Association website for information regarding the adverse impacts of conventional gasoline on human, wildlife and environmental health.
  11. Ensure that your water well system is properly maintained. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food for information on proper water well system maintenance.
  12. Ensure that your septic system is properly maintained. Visit the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ontario Clean Water Agency for information on proper septic system maintenance
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.