Use your microwave to fight climate change (and other helpful tips)

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT

Earth Week is a great opportunity to reduce your impact on the planet and care for your environment and community.

Here are some tips to help you combat climate change:

• Reduce greenhouse gas pollution by walking, riding or taking public transit

• Buy local Ontario produce and flowers

• Conserve water with shorter showers, wash clothes in cold water, and plant drought-resistant gardens

• Save energy and money at home by:

• Using lids while cooking to reduce energy consumption by up to 14 per cent.

• Using the right size pot on the right size burner. A six inch pot on an eight inch burner can waste more than 40 per cent of the burner's heat.

• Using the microwave to reheat leftovers. Microwaves use up to 75 per cent less electricity than stoves.

Last week, Ontario announced it is taking action on climate change and protecting the air we breathe by capping greenhouse gas pollution through a cap and trade system The province is developing a strong, forward-looking climate change strategy and action plan informed by provincewide consultations that saw more than 300 ideas submitted online, 31,000 votes and over 420 comments on the Climate Change Discussion Paper.

Fighting climate change supports the government's economic plan for Ontario.

The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

QUICK FACTS

• Earth Day Canada is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

• Ontario will host a Climate Summit of the Americas from July 7-9, 2015, to advance collaborative action on climate change in advance of the Conference of the Parties in Paris in December.

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