Simple Tips for Cleaner Air

Clean Air Day (Wednesday, June 2) is more than just another day on the calendar. The nationwide celebration is a time when Canadians should stop and reflect on exactly what they can do throughout the year to make our air cleaner and healthier.

Studies by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour show that air pollution levels in downtown Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), for example, are much higher during rush hour times than the rest of the day.

Fossil fuels are the main sources of air pollution in Nova Scotia. Most of the province's high-level air pollution days come during the summer when high temperatures and strong sunshine increase the formation of ground-level air pollutants and still air helps them gather together rather than spreading out.

"We believe every day is clean air day," says Angela Birch, a researcher in the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, "and it's not difficult to put that philosophy into action. Sometimes little things can make a big difference."

The department, for example, owns a bicycle that HRM employees can use when they go to meetings and it makes bus tickets available at the reception area in its Halifax office. Building management at the office also gave up a parking space to install a bicycle rack for employees.

Environment and Labour says there are simple ways that everyone can reduce air pollution and make the air we breathe cleaner and healthier, including:

• Walk, bike or roller blade rather than taking the car. Not only will this help keep the air clean, it will help keep you in shape;
• Make use of public transit and car pools. A monthly bus pass is much cheaper than owning and maintaining a car. Keeping your car off the road even occasionally can help reduce pollution and traffic congestion;
• If you have to drive, choose more fuel efficient automobiles and avoid unnecessary trips.
• When using your car, avoid idling. Idling your car for 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine;
• In the summer, reduce or eliminate the use of small-powered engines such as lawn mowers, outboard motors and personal water craft. A gas-powered lawn mower can cause as much pollution as 40 late model cars.

A few simple steps at home can also save you money while reducing your energy consumption:

• Make sure heating equipment and air conditioners are in good working order to maximize efficiency;
• Close your curtains at night to reduce heat loss and open them on sunny days to let the warmth in. Doing the opposite during the summer months can help keep your home cool and comfortable;
• Make sure doors and windows are properly sealed.

For more information on air quality in Nova Scotia see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/aq .