News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

(Photo: Pictured here are two participants from last year's commuter challenge from the Ministry of Environment.)

Air pollutants do not respect jurisdictional boundaries. Therefore, each of us must do our part to minimize emissions and improve air quality.

Here are some ways you can help reduce air pollution in Williams Lake:

Try a form of sustainable transportation. Sustainable transportation is transportation which reduces emissions and fossil fuel consumption, and minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment. Instead of driving to work alone, try one of these alternatives:

• Walk, run or ride your bicycle
• Carpool
• Use public transit
• Try an electric scooter

Participate in the Williams Lake Clean Air Week Commuter Challenge May 31st to June 4th – register online at www.breatheasywilliamslake.org or in person at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex by May 28th. For more information call 250-398-7665.

Consider these driving tips. If you must drive, these tips can help you reduce emissions and fuel consumption – and save money!

• Ensure car tires are inflated to manufacturer specifications.
• Plan ahead to combine errands into one trip to reduce fuel consumption and save time.
• Use vehicle air conditioning in moderation.
• Use cruise control for highway driving – it helps you drive smoothly and reduces excessive accelerating and braking.
• Reduce idling time. For example, park the car instead of using a drive-thru. For more information go to http://www.bcairquality.ca/topics/idling/index.html
• Don’t top-off your gas tank.
• Make your next car a fuel-efficient one. Check out the Scrap-It program at http://www.scrapit.ca/ . Trade in your old vehicle for money towards a new bike or car!

Inefficient wood burning releases high levels of air pollutants.

Lawn mowers contribute between 3 and 5 % of the total air pollution in Canada. Using a gas powered lawn mower for one hour can produce as much emissions as driving a car 550 km!

• Try a push or electric mower instead of a gas-powered mower. They are good for small lawns and they do not emit any exhaust.
• The national Mow Down Pollution campaign, run by the Clean Air Foundation, lets you trade in your old, high polluting lawn mower for a rebate toward a new, cleaner lawn mower.

Plant a tree. It takes 300 trees to balance the amount of air pollution that one person produces in normal daily activities!

• Trees clean the air by removing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
• Planting trees can help beautify your yard and even increase your property value.Trees can help shade your house and lower the cost of air conditioning.

Beverley J. Anderson, Air Quality Educator with The Williams Lake Air Quality Round Table and the Williams Lake Environmental Society
E -mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: 250-392-5997

For more information on air quality, please go to www.breatheasywilliamslake.org .

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