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Can one person make a difference to the quality of air in the Greater Toronto Area? Lots of people think so. To find out easy ways you can help change the air quality for the better, join York’s Security, Parking & Transportation Services and Smart Commute-Black Creek (SC-BC) for Pollution Probe's Clean Air Commute 2004, Monday to Friday, June 21-25.
"A few small changes in your daily routine can help contribute to cleaner air for us all," said Fred Sztabinski, program coordinator with SC-BC. "Even if you can only clean-air commute for one day, you're still participating and can still win a prize for your efforts. Clean Air Commute 2004 is a great time for you to start making those changes. See how your options stack up and choose the one that's right for you."
Not only will you have cleaner air as a reward for being "smart" as you commute to York, you will also have chances to win prizes just by taking part in the event. All employees who participate in Clean Air Commute 2004 will be entered in Pollution Probe's draw for a chance to win one of the following three Grand Prizes:
- 1st Grand Prize – Trip for Two to the Galapagos Islands courtesy of GAP Adventures (value $5,000)
- 2nd Grand Prize – Nike Fitness Grand Prize Package (value $2,000)
- 3rd Grand Prize – Three-day wilderness canoe or kayak trip from Canadian Canoe and Kayak Trips Wilderness Adventures.
Also, York employees who participate will be entered into a York draw for a Leader mountain bike and movie passes.
How to participate
- Beginning Monday, June 14, pick up a diary card beside the entry box at the counter in Parking & Transportation Services, Rm. 222, William Small Centre, 155 Campus Walk, or request an electronic diary card by sending your request here: info@sc-bc.ca;
- Fill out your diary card and track your commute choices for the week of June 21-25.
- Deposit your diary card in the box at the counter in Parking & Transportation Services, drop it in inter-office mail addressed to Smart Commute–Black Creek, Rm. 120, William Small Centre, or e-mail your saved electronic diary card to info@sc-bc.ca.
How to play your part and reduce smog
Sztabinski offers these suggestions for playing a part in making Canada's air cleaner:
- Take public transit – One fully loaded bus replaces 57 single-occupant cars on the road, while one subway train or GO train replaces from 1,100 to 1,500 cars.
- Get active – Walking, running, cycling and in-line skating to work are great ways to reduce harmful emissions and improve your health.
- Fill your car with co-workers – Carpooling saves wear and tear on your vehicle if you share carpooling duty. It also reduces fuel and parking costs.
- Use cleaner fuels – Choose a cleaner fuel, such as an ethanol blend that works with ordinary automobiles and is widely available across Ontario.
For a look at last year’s clean air commute event, read the July 14, 2003, YFile.