Think Climate Change: Are You Doing Your Bit? -- by Anne Shier

(From the Government of Canada re: Climate Change.  Are you doing your bit to conserve energy and save our planet?)

All Canadians contribute to greenhouse gas emissions--every time we turn on a light, drive the car to the corner store, start up a computer, or do anything that uses energy.  The actions of individual Canadians account for about 28% of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions-- that almost 6 tons per person per year!

If we're part of the problem, we must be part of the solution.  Here are 10 quick and easy ways you can reduce your energy consumption, save money and help create a healthier environment and economy for Canada.

10 ways to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

1.  Turn off lights, appliances, televisions and computers when they are not needed.  Many electronic appliances and computers stay "on" even when turned off, because they are in "standby mode".  Turn off all the power (in your house) if you are away more than a week.

2.  Seal all leaks around doors, windows and cracks where heat escapes from your home.  You will save up to 20% on your heating bill.

3.  Insulate when you renovate your home.  Over the years, a small up-front cost can pay for itself several times over in energy savings.

4.  When buying a new household appliance, room air conditioner or vehicle, check the EnerGuide label to help you select the most energy-efficient model that meets your needs.

5.  Avoid idling your vehicle--10 seconds of idling uses more energy than restarting your engine.

6.  Use an automatic set-back thermostat for your home's heating and air conditioning.

7.  Leave the car at home--walk or bike on short trips.  For longer trips, take the bus.  One busload of passengers takes 40 vehicles off the road, saving 70,000 litres of fuel, 175 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and 9 tons of pollutants per year.

8.  Use energy-efficient lighting products, such as compact fluorescent bulbs.  They last 10 times longer and use 75% less energy than regular incandescent light bulbs.

9.  Clean your furnace filter regularly to ensure good airflow and keep your furnace properly tuned.

10. Install low-flow shower heads and fix leaky or dripping faucets (on sinks and tubs).