Cars and Humans
Photo by Boomer Jerritt
but contributes about 2% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Syphilis
which contribute to global warming. (Stats Canada)
• In 2005, slightly more than 23 tonnes of GHGs were emitted for each person in the country; this represents an 8% increase since 1990. To get an idea of how much that is, contemplate that one tonne of emissions would fill an ordinary two-storey, three-bedroom house. (Stats Canada)
• In 2005, Canadians emitted about 747 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent of GHGs to the atmosphere. Each megatonne would fill 1000 ordinary two-story, three-bedroom houses. (Stats Canada)
• Twenty-three per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by individuals and families. (Canadian Automobile Association)
• Light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs and small trucks) generate approximately 12% of Canada’s greenhouse gases. (Canadian Automobile Association)
• An average household with two mid-sized vehicles emits more than 20,000 pounds of CO2 a year. It takes 400 trees to absorb 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• The average yearly cost of operating a vehicle can be as high as $9,000 a year, or nearly $25 a day. (Canadian Automobile Association)
• SUVs put out 43% more global-warming pollutants (28 pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of gas consumed) and 47% more air pollution than the average car. (Bicycleuniverse.com)
• The number of motor vehicle registrations in Canada increased by 14% between 2000 and 2007, reaching more than 20 million vehicles. (Canadian Automobile Association)
• As the number of vehicles on the road has increased, the number of persons per vehicle has declined. In 1931, there were 8.6 persons on average per vehicle; since the mid 1980s there have been an average of 1.7. (Canadian Automobile Association)
Canada has about 0.5% of the world’s population, capsule but contributes about 2% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, search which contribute to global warming. (Stats Canada)
In 2005, slightly more than 23 tonnes of GHGs were emitted for each person in the country; this represents an 8% increase since 1990. To get an idea of how much that is, contemplate that one tonne of emissions would fill an ordinary two-storey, three-bedroom house. (Stats Canada)
In 2005, Canadians emitted about 747 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent of GHGs to the atmosphere. Each megatonne would fill 1000 ordinary two-story, three-bedroom houses. (Stats Canada)
Twenty-three per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by individuals and families. (Canadian Automobile Association)
Light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs and small trucks) generate approximately 12% of Canada’s greenhouse gases. (Canadian Automobile Association)
An average household with two mid-sized vehicles emits more than 20,000 pounds of CO2 a year. It takes 400 trees to absorb 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. (Environmental Defense Fund)
The average yearly cost of operating a vehicle can be as high as $9,000 a year, or nearly $25 a day. (Canadian Automobile Association)
SUVs put out 43% more global-warming pollutants (28 pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of gas consumed) and 47% more air pollution than the average car. (Bicycleuniverse.com)
The number of motor vehicle registrations in Canada increased by 14% between 2000 and 2007, reaching more than 20 million vehicles. (Canadian Automobile Association)
As the number of vehicles on the road has increased, the number of persons per vehicle has declined. In 1931, there were 8.6 persons on average per vehicle; since the mid 1980s there have been an average of 1.7. (Canadian Automobile Association)
The holiday season is fast approaching, for sale and whether you and your family celebrate Christmas, order
Hanukah, Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, it is an exciting and busy time of celebration.
The good news of the holiday season includes the expression of love and appreciation for each other, shared time and traditions, and the general kindness and spirit of goodwill so many experience at this time of year.
The bad news is that the way that many of us have been celebrating is very hard on our little part of the planet. The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) waste management centres experience a significant increase in garbage in December—it is the biggest waste month of the year.
But it is possible to preserve the good news and reduce or eliminate the bad. Consider planet-pleasing options when selecting gifts for loved ones:
Give gift certificates—they always fit, reduce the need for wrapping, and the recipient has the experience of selecting exactly what they want.
Shop locally—the choice to purchase locally will reduce the carbon-footprint of your gifts. Remember to take your reusable bags when you shop.
Gifts of time or talent make a one of-a-kind gift certificate to be redeemed for baking a special treat, an afternoon of help with gardening or a night of child-care or pet-sitting .
Think quality—picking gifts that will last in the long-term versus one use. For example, include rechargeable batteries instead of disposable single-use batteries.
Experiential gifts—use your creativity to find a shared experience that can be a memory and a gift such as event tickets, leisure passes for the recreation centre or classes.
Give twice—for the person who has everything, give a donation to a cause or charity in their name
Discover fun eco-options —many people would love to receive an eco-friendly item they could use every day such as a travel mug, water bottle, reusable cloth bags, counter-top composters, windup flashlights, and other unique items made from ecologically friendly or recycled materials.
When wrapping gifts, remember that traditional wrapping paper cannot be recycled—it must go into the garbage. Better choices for wrapping alternatives include:
Find or make decorative tin cans or baskets—these can become part of your tradition or are part of the gift.
Use gifts as the package—wrap in hankies, scarves, tea towels or t-shirts, even tuck a special treasure into the traditional pair of socks!
Pick reusable gift bags—perhaps created for each person specifically.
Wrap with recyclables—pick materials that can be recycled afterwards, such as computer paper or newspaper or colorful comics, then finish off with ribbon that can be used again and again, or a special ornament.
When decorating for the holidays there are several options for sharing the fun and creating memories while crafting unique decorations made from natural or recycled or recyclable materials. How about creating garlands from cranberries and popcorn, which can become gifts to the hungry birds outside when decorating time inside is done?
If you are thinking about changing how you celebrate the holiday season, discuss your thoughts and plans with your family and friends in advance, so that they understand and will have realistic expectations. Many people now ask each other for a wish list and that is an excellent time to express your desire for change.
Most importantly, this year, when expressing love or friendship for each other, consider the environmental impact of your celebrations and make better choices for a better future.