Published Wednesday, 19 December, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Queenslanders encouraged to take the pressure off our environment
Check your tyre pressure to drive safer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions this Christmas is the message for Climate Under Pressure Month, the third call to action in the Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart Living campaign.
The campaign was launched today by Andrew McNamara, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation.
“Safety is particularly important at this time of year when many of us are on the road visiting friends and relatives – checking your tyre pressure is a simple and effective way to improve safety when driving,” Mr McNamara said.
“If your tyres are under-inflated by even a small amount, it increases fuel consumption which means an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
“During Climate Under Pressure Month – 19 December to 19 January – I’m asking Queensland motorists to take the pledge to make sure their car, caravan, four-wheel-drive or motorcycle tyres are inflated to manufacturers’ specifications,” he said.
Recent surveys show that around 80 percent of cars are being driven on under-inflated tyres.
“If your tyres are under-inflated by just two pounds per square inch (psi) or 14 kilopascals, your fuel efficiency drops by one percent.
“One percent may not sound like a lot, but there are more than 2.2 million cars in Queensland, a one percent saving would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 86,000 tonnes per year or the equivalent to taking 23,500 cars off the road,” he said.
Recommended pressure for tyres can be found on a tyre placard on the driver’s door frame, in the glovebox or under the bonnet of motor vehicles. If it’s difficult to find the information in your car, it can be obtained by contacting the tyre manufacturer.
“To make it even easier for Queensland motorists to check car tyre pressures, the Environmental Protection Agency is distributing free tyre pressure kits through RACQ, Tyrepower and the Motor Traders Association Queensland outlets across the state,” Mr McNamara said.
Climate Under Pressure Month, part of the ClimateSmart Living campaign, builds on the success of Change a Light Bulb Day and Cool it by Degrees Day, which encouraged Queenslanders to change to energy efficient light bulbs and set their fridges to four degrees.
“Actions taken by over 60,000 Queenslanders who have participated in the campaign so far have already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4,540 tonnes a year, the same as planting around 22,700 trees.
“This holiday season let’s give something back to our environment – check your tyre pressures regularly and make a small change that really can make a world of difference,” Mr McNamara said.
To find out more information about Climate Under Pressure Month and the other things you can do to reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions, go to climatesmart.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002 or 0488 746 891
The campaign was launched today by Andrew McNamara, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation.
“Safety is particularly important at this time of year when many of us are on the road visiting friends and relatives – checking your tyre pressure is a simple and effective way to improve safety when driving,” Mr McNamara said.
“If your tyres are under-inflated by even a small amount, it increases fuel consumption which means an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
“During Climate Under Pressure Month – 19 December to 19 January – I’m asking Queensland motorists to take the pledge to make sure their car, caravan, four-wheel-drive or motorcycle tyres are inflated to manufacturers’ specifications,” he said.
Recent surveys show that around 80 percent of cars are being driven on under-inflated tyres.
“If your tyres are under-inflated by just two pounds per square inch (psi) or 14 kilopascals, your fuel efficiency drops by one percent.
“One percent may not sound like a lot, but there are more than 2.2 million cars in Queensland, a one percent saving would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 86,000 tonnes per year or the equivalent to taking 23,500 cars off the road,” he said.
Recommended pressure for tyres can be found on a tyre placard on the driver’s door frame, in the glovebox or under the bonnet of motor vehicles. If it’s difficult to find the information in your car, it can be obtained by contacting the tyre manufacturer.
“To make it even easier for Queensland motorists to check car tyre pressures, the Environmental Protection Agency is distributing free tyre pressure kits through RACQ, Tyrepower and the Motor Traders Association Queensland outlets across the state,” Mr McNamara said.
Climate Under Pressure Month, part of the ClimateSmart Living campaign, builds on the success of Change a Light Bulb Day and Cool it by Degrees Day, which encouraged Queenslanders to change to energy efficient light bulbs and set their fridges to four degrees.
“Actions taken by over 60,000 Queenslanders who have participated in the campaign so far have already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4,540 tonnes a year, the same as planting around 22,700 trees.
“This holiday season let’s give something back to our environment – check your tyre pressures regularly and make a small change that really can make a world of difference,” Mr McNamara said.
To find out more information about Climate Under Pressure Month and the other things you can do to reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions, go to climatesmart.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002 or 0488 746 891