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What can I do to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions?
At Home
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Take the One
Tonne Challenge
Every year, each Canadian produces an average of over five tonnes of
greenhouse gases. The One Tonne Challenge calls on you to reduce your
individual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20%, or one tonne, by
using less energy, conserving water and resources, and reducing waste.
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Get an EnerGuide
for Houses assessment
The EnerGuide for Houses evaluation service provides homeowners with
information on energy-efficient improvements for their homes. Grants
are available to homeowners who complete energy efficiency retrofits
based on their EnerGuide for Houses advisors' recommendations.
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Invest in a
programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are inexpensive to buy, easy to install and
an excellent way to reduce your energy bill. They automatically
change the temperature of your house to coincide with your household's
schedule. Remember, for every 1°C that you lower your thermostat, you
save 2% on your heating bill.
On the
Road
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Don't idle your vehicle
Idling for ten minutes a day can produce about a quarter tonne of CO2
emissions each year and cost you about $70 in wasted fuel.
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Use your vehicle's air
conditioning sparingly
Using your air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel
consumption by as much as 20%.
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Carpool
According to Environment Canada, overall transportation represents the
largest single source of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting
for 27% of the total. Carpooling is a simple way to take part in the
climate change challenge while saving money, reducing
congestion, reducing stress and conserving energy
along the way.
In the
Community
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Organize a Walking
School Bus
A Walking School Bus is two
or more families, traveling to or from school together for safety. It
combines healthy exercise with hands-on street proofing lessons and
reduced greenhouse gas emissions. If just nine families participate
regularly in a Walking School Bus, they can collectively prevent
almost 1,000 kg of greenhouse gases from being released into the
atmosphere.
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Stay involved with this
project
Check back often for new tips and to find out how you can get involved
with the Partners for Climate Protection project.
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