June 4, 2001
Breathe
Easier This June
:
Ontario Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer and thousands of commuters
join Pollution Probe to launch the 9th annual Clean Air Campaign
Toronto,
ON – June 4, 2001 – More than 380 tons of air pollution will stay out of
the atmosphere this June thanks to the Clean Air Commute, part of Pollution
Probe’s annual Clean Air Campaign. The ninth annual campaign was launched
this morning at the junction joining the GO system with the TTC at
Toronto’s Union Station.
The
Clean Air Commute is a challenge to companies, organizations and individuals
across the Greater Toronto Area to commute to work using an
environmentally-friendly means of transportation such as public transit,
carpooling, telecommuting or biking. Participants are eligible to win a
grand prize trip to Cancun, Mexico.
“During
last year’s Clean Air Commute, we were able to keep more than 380 tons of
carbon dioxide and other pollutants out of our air in a single work week”
said Edward Babin, Chairman, Pollution Probe Board of Directors. “With
smog advisories coming earlier this year than ever before, we’re
challenging Torontonians to keep even more pollution from the air this
summer.”
“Air
pollution is harmful both to our natural environment and to human health,”
said Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer. “Reducing air emissions from
cars and trucks not only preserves our air, land and water; it also reduces
the health risks for people with respiratory or heart problems.”
The
choice of venue for the event allowed Minister Witmer and Pollution Probe to
publicly thank commuters for taking public transit to work.
The
Clean Air Campaign & Commute is the public education component of
Pollution Probe’s comprehensive Air Programme. Each June since 1993, the
Pollution Probe campaign has been bringing the clean air message to GTA
residents.
Pollution
Probe’s Clean Air Commute 2001 will take place the week of June 25th.
Participants fill out diary cards highlighting their commuting habits for
the week, which make them eligible for a variety of prizes. These cards are
passed on to Pollution Probe where they will determine how much smog was
kept from the atmosphere and choose winners for the grand prize trip to
Cancun.
Some
quick facts on smog and pollution in Toronto:
-
·
The
average Toronto car carries only 1.16 people – one GO Bus can replace
50 cars
-
·
One
GO Train carries the same number of people as 1,400 cars
-
·
Eighty-eight
per cent of Torontonians say they are worried about toxic chemicals in
the air they breathe
-
·
In
Toronto, experts estimate that up to 70 per cent of suspended
particulates in the air come from transportation
About
Pollution Probe
Pollution
Probe has worked to protect Canada’s environment for over 30 years.
Founded by a small group of University of Toronto students in 1969, Probe
has grown into a national organization with more than 25,000 supporters.
Pollution Probe defines environmental problems through research, promotes
understanding through education and presses for practical solutions through
advocacy.
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For
more information please contact:
John
Thibodeau/David Israelson
Media Profile
416.504.8464
