Tyre check takes pressure off the environment

More than 15,000 Queensland motorists have pledged to reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said today.

Mr McNamara said that thousands of Queenslanders had pledged to help the environment with the simple decision to regularly check and adjust their car tyre pressures.

Free tyre pressure kits were distributed throughout Queensland to encourage motorists to commit to checking their car tyre pressures from December 19 to January 19 for Climate Under Pressure Month.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said the kits helped Queenslanders make sure their car tyres were inflated to manufacturers’ specifications.

“If your tyres are under-inflated by even a small amount, it increases fuel consumption which means an increase in greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr McNamara said.

“Checking your tyre pressure is also a simple and effective way to improve safety when driving,” Mr McNamara said.

Mr McNamara said it was fantastic to receive the support of RACQ, Tyrepower, Bunnings and the Motor Trades Association Queensland in promoting Climate Under Pressure Month.

“By participating in the ClimateSmart Living campaign, these companies helped Queenslanders take simple but effective actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr McNamara said.

Climate Under Pressure Month, part of the government’s 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.

“Thanks to over 75,000 Queenslanders who have pledged to undertake the campaign’s first three actions, we will cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 5000 tonnes each year. This is equivalent to making over 450 homes carbon neutral,” Mr McNamara said.

“That’s the same as switching off over 38,000 incandescent light bulbs or planting 25,000 trees.”

To find out more about the ClimateSmart Living campaign and other things you can do to reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions, go to www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Emma Parnell 333 68002