10 Steps to a Cooler Planet

OTTAWA/CNW Telbec/ - Each Canadian generates, on average, five tonnes of greenhouse gases a year that are linked to climate change. The good news is there are things each of us can do to reduce our ecological footprint without having to make drastic changes to our lifestyles.

From better transportation choices to changing the way we heat, cool and light our homes, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has 10 steps we can all take to help keep our planet healthy, all while saving money, living in healthier and more comfortable homes, and increasing our home's resale values:

Don't drive - use transit: Simply switching some of your local travel from a car to public transit can save up to 230 kg of CO2 per year for every 1,000 km you drive.

Think smaller: Dropping your family vehicle a size or two can eliminate 1,100-2,600 kg of CO2 each year - and save you hundreds of dollars at the gas pump!

Stay grounded: For shorter family trips, taking the bus or train instead of travelling by plane could do both the planet and your wallet a favour.

Reduce your home heating bills: If you live in an older home, improving the energy-efficiency, or even just lowering the thermostat by as little as 10 C, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reconsider your space needs: Larger homes use considerably more energy so, the next time you move, ask yourself if a smaller home might better fit your needs.

Buy green: When buying appliances, choosing the most energy-efficient models can save up to 400 kg of CO2 a year.

Stay out of hot water: Wrapping your hot water heater in a thermal blanket, washing clothes in cold water and installing low flow showerheads and faucet aerators (which mix air into the water stream, thus producing a steady flow) saves both energy and water.

Eat your vegetables: Adopting a less meat-intensive diet can have a significant impact on your ecological footprint - and your family's health!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cutting your garbage production by just one bag a week could save your family 300 kg of CO2 a year.

You have the power: In response to consumer demand, many utility companies are introducing Green Power options at a premium price. By switching to green power, you can reduce your home's CO2 emissions.

For more information or a free copy of the research paper 10 Steps to a Cooler Planet, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada's national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.