December 2007

Tip Sheets

New Year's Resolutions

Get your vehicle's body into shape

Most people resolve to get their body into better shape in the New Year. Why not make the same resolution for your vehicle? A simple vehicle maintenance regime – including measuring your tire pressure, checking for leaks once a month, taking your vehicle in for regular tune-ups and reading the owner’s manual – will help you save money and fuel, and protect the environment.

Be a fuel-efficient driver

At this time of year, many people slow down to enjoy time with friends and family. Why don’t you adopt the same philosophy when driving? Aggressive driving and speeding can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 35 percent. Slowing down, giving yourself more time and planning your routes ahead of time are just a few of the many things you can do to save money and fuel, and lower your vehicle’s emissions. Visit ecoaction.g.ca/vehicles to learn more.

Using less – living better

Is your home cold and drafty in winter? Are your energy bills too high? Consider hiring a licensed energy advisor to conduct an energy evaluation of your home. You can find out how it uses energy and where it is being wasted.

Advisors will show you how to improve the comfort of your home and cut heating and cooling costs, while ensuring adequate ventilation for a healthy indoor environment. You could also qualify for an ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes grant. By using less energy in your home you can help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.  Visit ecoaction.gc.ca/homes or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) or TTY: 1 800 926-9105 (teletype for hearing-impaired) for more information.

Kick the idling habit

New Year’s is a great time to start kicking bad habits like unnecessary idling. It’s bad for your wallet, your vehicle, the environment and the health of people around you. Contrary to popular belief, the best way to warm up your car is to drive it at a moderate speed. Idling for 10 minutes a day produces almost a quarter-tonne of carbon dioxide emissions and costs you more than $80 every year! Even on the coldest winter days (and as long as your windows are defrosted) you can drive away after letting the engine run for only 30 seconds.

Check your tire pressure

Your tires need special attention during winter. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in tires, which adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush. Measure tire pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature

Lower your thermostat

Lowering the thermostat setting at bedtime and before leaving the house reduces your energy bills without affecting your comfort.  By lowering your thermostat, you can save two percent on your heating bill for every 1°C (2°F) it is lowered. A programmable thermostats makes the job a lot easier because you can set it to lower or increase the temperature automatically at pre-set times and for every day of the week.  There are models available for forced air systems and for baseboard heaters.  Install one, program it to suit your lifestyle, and don't worry about adjusting the dial.

Save water in the kitchen and bathroom

Avoid running the tap while shaving, brushing your teeth or doing dishes. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting your tap run to get cold water when you want a drink.

Change your laundry cycle

Washing a few small items in a large washing machine wastes energy and water; wait for a full load. Use the cold water cycle whenever possible. Clean the clothes dryer filter after each load, and clean the dryer duct regularly. Clogged filters and ducts restrict airflow, decrease energy efficiency and can be a fire hazard.

Give your tree a new purpose after the holidays

Instead of sending your Christmas tree to a landfill, why not make sure it gets used again? Some municipalities collect Christmas trees and turn them into wood chips for landscaping, gardening or other uses. If your municipality does not have this program, you may be able to find a business that can use tree fibre. You’ll reduce pressure on our landfills, as well as the natural forest, and start the New Year right.

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