As of October 5, Peterborough has been issued 35 smog alerts by the Ministry of the Environment for 2005. That's 15 more days of poor air quality compared to last year's 20 days. Thatâs cause for concern and action.
In a study released by the Ontario Medical Association on July 14th, Ontario doctors reported that exposure to smog will contribute to approximately 5,800 premature deaths province-wide. To give these numbers a local context, the City of Peterborough will experience 80 premature deaths, 190 hospital admissions, 680 emergency visits with health care costs to treat victims nearing $4 million. It also estimates that the local economic impact of poor air quality will amount to $3.36 million. A pretty hefty price to pay, eh?
Thatâs the bad news.
The good news is, each of us can do something about it that will make a difference. Not only will the following actions save our air but they will also save you money! Read about what you can do On the Road and At Home.
To get Peterborough's daily Air Quality Report and to learn more about Smog go to:
www.airqualityontario.com.
For information on how Smog affects our health check out these Peterborough Green-Up Factsheets:
Air Quality and Your Child
Outdoor Exercise in Heat and Smog
The Challenge Hits the Road
Don't idle
Idling for 10 minutes a day can produce about a quarter tonne of CO2 emissions each year and cost you about $70 in wasted fuel. If you stop for more than 10 seconds, except in traffic, turn off your engine and save. An idling engine give you ZERO kilometres per litre! Look for these signs around Peterborough and be prepared to turn your key! Visit our Idle Free Zone for more information on idling.
Drive 10% less
If you drive 20,000 kilometres a year, reducing your annual distance travelled by 2,000 kilometres, or 10%, will significantly reduce GHGs and save a few trips to the gas station. Use public transit or ride share - or walk, cycle, jog or in-line skate and get exercise at the same time. Telework one or two days each week if possible. Or reduce driving by choosing services close to home or work and combining your errands into one trip. This will save you time, money and fuel, and help you avoid traffic jams.
Use a block heater on a timer when the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F)
A block heater warms the oil and engine coolant, making it easier to start your vehicle and improving winter fuel economy by as much as 10%. Set your block heater on a timer to switch on two hours before you plan to drive.
Taking the Challenge Home
It takes a lot of energy to keep our homes comfortable, as our ever-rising utility bills will attest! So much energy in fact that the energy we use around the house accounts for 50% of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here are some simple common sense actions you can take that will save you money and reduce your GHG emissions getting you closer to your one-tonne goal.
Home Heating
Install one of todays energy efficient furnaces
It can save you up to 25% of your home heating costs each year, reduce your GHGs and, depending on the efficiency of your old furnace, pay you back for its higher initial cost in about seven years.
Keep your furnace well maintained
Keep your furnace well maintained and change or clean furnace filters every couple of months. Dirty air filters block airflow and can damage the heat exchanger.
Lower your thermostat
For every 1°C (2°F) you lower your thermostat, you save 2% on your heating bill. A reduction of 3°C (5°F) at night and when you are away during the day provides optimal savings.
Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal air leaks
Get a professional to help you reduce your home heating needs by up to 20% by getting rid of drafts and leaks around windows, doors, baseboards and attic hatches. At the same time, seal electrical outlets and switches on outside walls with foam gaskets; on inside walls, use childproof plugs or combination cover plates
Upgrade your insulation
Upgrade your insulation in walls, the basement and attic. Insulating your basement walls and attic can reduce your energy bill by as much as 30%.
Keep window curtains open during the day in winter
This allows passive solar energy into your home and can save you up to 5% on home heating. Close the curtains in the evening.
Install a ceiling fan
Change the direction of the fan to push warm air down in the winter. This especially benefits houses with electric baseboards or high cathedral ceilings. If you need a fan with lights, choose one with compact fluorescent lights to further reduce electricity use and heat build-up in summer.
One-Tonne Challenge Presentations
Is your organization interested in learning more about the One-Tonne Challenge? Are you a school group or youth organization looking for interesting ways to engage young people around the concept of climate change and energy efficiency? Are you a business looking for a fun way to promote energy efficiency amongst your staff?
Why not book a One-Tonne Challenge Presentation?
Our One-Tonne Challenge Coordinator would be excited to deliver an interesting and entertaining presentation customized to your audience.
To find out more please contact Michael Gibbs at Peterborough Green-Up for more information.
Email:
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Phone: (705).745.3238
Climate Change Action
