PITCH-IN
CANADA
Resource Centre
PITCH-IN
CANADA
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Ten PITCH-IN Tips for Drivers
| Drive LESS | Cars pollute and burn fossil fuels. The car is the most environmentally polluting form of transport invented. Use public transport, walk and bike! |
| Idle less | Turn your car off if you'll stop for more than one minute. |
| Check your tires | Poorly-inflated tires can result in up to 10% fuel loss. Radial tires are more fuel-efficient than cross-ply. Ask your dealer or local/regional solid waste coordinator about recycling old tires. |
| Check for leaks | Leaky gaskets, radiators, crankcases, etc... drip millions of liters of oil, anti-freeze and other automotive toxics onto roads, parking lots and pavement - eventually draining into waterways. |
| Keep your car in tune | This will result in 5% better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. Check-ups will also detect leaks and other pollution problems. |
| Change Oil | Frequent oil changes with high-quality oil gives better mileage and a cleaner burning engine. |
| Recycle | Used oil and antifreeze should be recycled and NEVER poured down stormdrains or "behind the garage". Ask for and use non-toxic anti-freeze. Call your local/regional waste management officials for the location of a hazardous waste drop-off or oil recycling program. |
| Avoid AC | Air conditioners burn incredible amounts of gas and release 2.5 pounds of CFC's into the atmosphere each year per vehicle. |
| Buy a fuel efficient car | Look for ratings exceeding 10 km. per liter. Fuel efficiency means less potential oil spills and offshore drilling. |
| Get a life out of your new car or buy reused | New cars are "good" for at least 10 years. Keep it and reduce the amount of resources used to buy a new one. There's also nothing wrong with buying a used car! Just make sure it's well-tuned and environmentally friendly! |
For other Tips for a Cleaner Environment please click here.
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