Download What is Clean Air Day

CLEAN AIR DAY
Walk! Bike! Ride transit!
Or try telecommuting or carpooling — there are many ways that you can make a difference
on Clean Air Day (the first Wednesday in June). It’s easy to choose an environmentally
friendly form of transportation that will help reduce air pollution and climate change.
And don’t forget to encourage others to explore their transportation choices on Clean Air
Day — together we can make a difference!
The Government of Canada proclaimed Clean Air Day (CAD) in 1999 as part of Canadian
Environment Week to increase public awareness about air quality and climate change.
CAD is a celebration of environmentally friendly activities that promote clean air and
good health.
CAD is a grassroots event that relies on strong partnerships with all sectors of society.
It encourages communities, the public, and commuters to take action on environmental,
health and transportation issues during Canadian Environment Week.
CAD shows Canadians that we can make a difference. On Clean Air Day make an
environmentally friendly decision. Continue all year long to help create cleaner and
safer communities for today and tomorrow.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION CAMPAIGN
People are being urged to walk, bike or ride public transit to decrease emissions that harm
air quality and cause greenhouse gases. CAD is a call to action: Get active and do your part
in improving our communities!
Transportation is often an overlooked source of pollution and greenhouse gases — but a
reduction in emissions is easily accomplished through individual action. Transportation is
the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions and one of the single largest
sources of air pollution in Canada, accounting for two thirds of all smog forming pollutants
in some areas.
Sustainable transportation actions and strategies are also key elements to help Canada
meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. It is a great opportunity to act locally
while addressing a global problem.
People who travel by public transit create 65 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than
if they travel by car. Even if someone opts for transit just two days out of five, their greenhouse gas emissions will be cut by 25 percent. Walking or cycling are emission-free modes
of transportation. Individuals can easily contribute to clean air and our Kyoto reductions
merely by switching their commuting habits.
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN
This year, the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s (CUTA) CAD campaign includes the
participation of approximately 65 transit systems across Canada — from large systems
in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Halifax, to smaller bus operators in Strathcona
(Alberta), Yellowknife and Whitehorse. This campaign is organized and delivered in
partnership with Environment Canada, Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada,
the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, TransCanada Pipeline and community-based
groups across the country.
LOCAL INITIATIVES
While CUTA’s participating members will be displaying the CAD ad campaign on their
buses and bus shelters throughout May and June, they do much more than just that.
Many systems work with partners to organize commuter challenges and local events to
help promote community participation — this years campaign will also include buttons,
temporary tattoos and Decision Maker Kits.
OTHER CAD CAMPAIGNS
A wide range of other CAD events will also be happening across the country. Better
Environmentally Sound Transportation (B.E.S.T.) in Vancouver holds a variety of events
on CAD and throughout June. The New Brunswick Lung Association will hold events
throughout Clean Air Month (June) focusing on indoor and outdoor air quality and runs
other programs such as Flight for Life year round. Go for Green is once again acting as the
national coordinator of the Commuter Challenge — for more information or to register
your participation, visit the Commuter Challenge website at www.commuterchallenge.ca