Actions you can take to reduce your emissions

Some Tips for at home:

• Get a home energy assessment completed
  
• Ensure your house is well insulated, including your hot water tank and pipes
  
• Install storm windows or use plastic window covers
  
• Minimize air leaks as much as possible
  
• Keep heat registers and baseboard heaters clean
  
• Install a programmable thermostat
  
• Use energy efficient appliances such as a front loading washing machine
  
• Upgrade your heating system
  
• Get rid of that old fridge
• Heat only the rooms you use
  
• Put outdoor lights on a timer or equipped with a motion detection device
  
• Reduce the temperature at night or when you're not home
  
• Unplug appliances and equipment when not in use
  
• Set your computer to standby mode
  
• Use cold water to wash your clothes and hang them to dry
  
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs and turn lights off when leaving the room
  
• Use the no-heat dry setting on your dishwasher
   

• Recycle plastic, paper and other materials when it is possible
  
• Compost organic material
  
• Buy products with less packaging
• Use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags
  
• Buy locally when possible. Consider the distance the product has travelled.
  
• Print and copy on both sides of the page
  
• Plant trees and a garden
   

Some Fuel Saving Tips:

• Avoid idling your car
  
• Buy a fuel efficient vehicle
  
• Keep to the speed limit. Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed when highway driving
  
• Keep your vehicle tuned
• Plan your outings in advance - make one trip instead of several and when possible plan your trips when traffic is low
  
• Regularly check your tire pressure
  
• Walk, bike, use public transit or car pool
  
• Walk in rather than use the drive through

How to Check Your Tire Pressure:

• Check owner's manual or inside driver's door for proper tire pressure
  
• Ensure tires are cool
  
• Unscrew the cap from the valve
  
• Firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve to get readingAdd air to get proper pressure. To release air, press on the metal stem in the centre of the valve.
  
• Replace the valve cap
  
• Check all tires including the spare.