Vehicles

Drive for the future

Living in the north makes it virtually impossible to manage without a vehicle for at least part of the year.

• According to Transport Canada, there are 22 million drivers in Canada driving an average of 16,000 km per year.
• Motor vehicles produce more air pollution than any other single human activity.
• On average, older vehicles emit 19 times more pollution than models produced in 2004 and after.

There are many practices that improve the performance and reduce the emissions of your car. As a bonus, you save money when you drive in a more sustainable way. Natural Resources Canada has helpful information on how to drive and maintain a vehicle to save money and the environment, and how to choose a new car, as well.

Save money

You'll be surprised how much money, and wear and tear on your vehicle you save by not idling your engine.

For help choosing your next vehicle, have a look at this site.
Gov. of Canada - Office of Energy Efficiency - Purchasing a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

And now is the time to buy! When you choose a low-emission or hybrid replacement, you qualify for a cash rebate. These sites provide information and application forms:

• Federal ecoAUTO Rebate Program
• BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue PST Reduction for Qualifying Fuel Efficient Vehicles

What should I do with my old car or truck?

Both the federal and provincial governments have introduced incentive programs; to encourage owners of vehicles more than 15 years old to turn them in for new, low emission models;

• Government of Canada ecoACTION
• The Scrap-it Program BC

The bottom line: by reducing your vehicle emissions, you not only reduce the amount of greenhouse gases you produce, you also save money.

Why not walk?

Now take the next step; take the bus , ride a bike, or walk. Walkers have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes, lower weight and blood pressure, and better mental health.

These links offer more information about the benefits of walking and biking as well as suggestions to get you started.

Mayo Clinic

American Association of Retired Persons

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Centre

busonline.ca