Tips To Get Started
Check out the following ten energy reduction tip ideas to get started towards your One-Tonne goal, whether On the Road or At Home
Printer-friendly version
On the Road
- Drive less by taking public transit, car-pooling, walking or biking, and tele-working. If you drive 20,000 kilometres a year, reducing your annual distance by 2000 kilometres or 10% will reduce your GHG emissions by half a tonne or more, plus you'll save money and help give us cleaner air.
Animated Tip | More Info
- Drive smarter. Try combining your errands, working flexible hours to avoid rush hour traffic, and using ethanol blended gasoline.
Animated Tip | More Info
- 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.
Animated Tip | More Info
- When buying a new vehicle, choose a fuel-efficient one. Switching from a sports utility vehicle to a mid-sized sedan will reduce your GHG emissions by 2 tonnes a year. Buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Check the fuel consumption information on the EnerGuide label, or compare the fuel consumption of different vehicles by consulting the Fuel Consumption Guide.
Animated Tip | More Info
- Check your tire pressure once a month. Did you know that 70% of vehicles have at least one tire that is over or under-inflated? Maintaining the correct tire pressure could reduce your GHGs by at least 1/8 tonne each year and save $50 in fuel costs. Visit Transport Canada's Road Safety.
Animated Tip | More Info
At Home
- Draft-proof your home. Use caulking and weather-stripping to reduce your home heating needs by up to 20%, and reduce your GHG emissions by up to half a tonne. An EnerGuide for Houses evaluation can help identify where your home is losing energy. Visit EnerGuide for Houses.
Animated Tip | More Info
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last up to ten times longer and use one-quarter of the electricity of a regular incandescent light bulb. Replacing 5 regular light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent lightbulbs will reduce your GHG emissions by 1/8 tonne.
Animated Tip | More Info
- Install and use a programmable thermostat. For every 1° C you lower your thermostat you can save 2% on your heating bill. A reduction of 3 degrees C at night or when you are away during the day provides optimal savings and can reduce your GHGs by half a tonne.
Animated Tip | More Info
- When buying a new appliance, choose an energy-efficient one. A 2002 model EnergyStar qualified refrigerator uses less than half the electricity of a unit built ten years ago, and can reduce your GHG's by 1/10 of a tonne each year.
Animated Tip | More Info
- Reduce your household waste. In Canada, about 25% of our garbage is currently recycled or composted. But studies show that much more - about 70% of our household waste could be. A family of three can reduce their GHGs by more than 1/8th tonne each year by composting.
Animated Tip | More Info
Return to Tips Guide »