Environment

Submitted by jsuart on Mon, 2011-09-26 15:32

JUMP AHEAD

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Greater Kingston has one of the highest vehicle emission rates in Canada

The Kingston area is a hot spot for private vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2007 Statistics Canada study Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Private Vehicles in Canada. At 3,035 kg per capita, Kingston almost twice the rate as Toronto. The study suggests the explanation could be a combination of things, especially a larger number of older vehicles and heavier vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Other factors include lower urban population density and the availability and the use of public transit. To meet the national average for vehicle emissions, Greater Kingston would have to reduce its total emission levels by almost half. 

Kingston uses more water

According to Environment Canada, the amount of residential water the City of Kingston uses is higher than the Ontario average and lower than the national average in 2006. In fact, Canadians use more water per capita than many other developed countries. A 2011 study by the Conference Board of Canada found Canada’s 2011 water consumption (including agricultural, domestic and industrial use) per capita was over nine times greater than that of the U.K. Only the U.S. consumes more water per person.

Residents reducing waste

While overall waste collection has diped slightly, there has been a major decrease in waste going into City landfills – a 21% reduction since 2007.  Yard waste and household hazardous collections are also up. Curbside blue/grey box recycling has dropped, but City officials say that is likely due to less paper being generated at residential homes.

Half of us use the Green Bin

The most recent data from the City of Kingston show that the current participation rate for the new Green Bin curbside organic waste pick-up is 53%. In 2010, just under 4 000 tonnes of organic waste was collected through the Green Bin program. Also in 2010, a City waste audit concluded that 41% of the average garbage bag (by weight) was organic material that could be diverted into Green Bins.

Source: City of Kingston

Less wastewater is by-passing treatment

The amount of wastewater that goes into the environment without treatment has been steadily decreasing. This is due to the effectiveness of infrastructure upgrades, pumping station improvements and system operational improvements. The weather also played a role in the reduction.  

Greater Kingston sees the light on energy-saving light bulbs

The Kingston CMA has one of the highest rates of energy-saving light bulb use in Canada.