By The Hon. Elizabeth Witmer, Ontario Minister of the Environment
Last year, more than 380 tonnes of air pollution were kept out of the air as a result of Pollution Probe's Clean Air Campaign and Commute. I am pleased to say that my ministry is again a sponsor of this important campaign.
The cottage and the backyard are where many Ontarians relax, enjoy summer and get back in touch with nature. But they may not be aware of the impact they have on the environment when they are trying to enjoy the great outdoors.
For example, running a typical gas lawnmower for two hours can create about the same amount of air emissions as driving a car from Ontario to the Maritimes. Other gas-powered motor tools like trimmers and chainsaws can be even more polluting than gas lawn mowers.
This is why we have supported the Mow Down Pollution program, an innovative environmental partnership between government and non-government groups. The pilot program offered people a cash rebate to turn in their old, air-polluting gas lawn mowers for more environmentally friendly electric or rechargeable models. The MOE was glad to work with the Clean Air Foundation and a number of private sector sponsors to make this program possible.
While more than half of Ontario's smog is the result of pollution from sources in the United States, there is still much we can and must do to improve our air quality at home. Here are some other interesting facts to keep in mind while enjoying Ontario's natural beauty:
Simply driving our cars less and taking public transit even one day a week can make a big difference to the air we all share. If that's not an option, making sure our vehicles are well tuned so they run more efficiently and use less gas also helps, as does the avoidance of idling our cars while stopped.
The products we use also have a large impact on our air quality. We should all try to avoid products like aerosol sprays, oil-based paints or strong cleaning products especially on hot summer days when smog levels are higher.
We could reduce the number of days a week we water our lawns, conserving our precious water resources. And practising pesticide-free lawn and garden care reduces the amount of chemicals that can leach into our ecosystems.
Excerpted from a statement to the Legislature.
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